TUESDAY marks the beginning of a series of exciting events and projects planned across the nation to celebrate the UAE’s 40th National Day. In line with the comprehensive strategy approved by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, this year’s program will be a celebratory period of firsts as the nation comes together to unify efforts and co-ordinate an exceptional national program of celebrations.

The National Day Committee has been established to coordinate this National Programme of Celebrations. Working alongside representatives from each Emirate, government authorities, community groups, private sector and the public, the Committee oversees and coordinates the celebrations to ensure effective synchronization of activities across all partners.

In addition, the program of events scheduled for this auspicious occasion will span over a longer period than ever before providing numerous opportunities for citizens and residents of all seven Emirates to unite in celebration and reflect on what it means to call the UAE home.

People of the UAE are encouraged to salute the nation’s rich history, culture and achievements, by partaking in a series of events and projects planned across the Emirates to mark the culmination of 40 years as a modern and progressive nation. The month-long program will be a celebration of the UAE’s heritage and its modern multicultural nature, promote national identity and inspire the people of the UAE to look to the future with confidence and pride.

Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of the National Day Committee, said "The UAE’s 40th National Day program plans to collectively celebrate this important milestone for the nation, and all the people who call the UAE home by presenting a combination of opportunities for people to unite and be proud of the nation and its achievements. We hope that the spectacular events we have planned for the next 30 days will inspire the people of this diverse nation to come together and celebrate as one with pride, energy and inclusiveness. I encourage everyone to participate in the celebrations and embrace the Spirit of the Union as we look forward to building our Nation’s future together. Together we have the unique opportunity to create long lasting and worthwhile memories, and to unite in celebration across this great nation." To mark this special occasion, the UAE capital’s iconic skyline and landmarks such as Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Al Jahili Fort in Al Ain will be brought to life through a monumental montage of light, colour, 3D projections and innovative technology. To further generate pride in the UAE, this synchronised visual backdrop will be supported with colourful ceremonial branding and decorations erected across the City and Emirate to extend celebrations to all corners.

The Corniche Festival will offer a perfect location for friends and families to come together to enjoy the festivities in the lead up to the grand finale. With an exciting carnival atmosphere, families will be treated to street performers, traditional foods, live music acts and sports shows along the action packed shoreline. The National Day Concerts will celebrate the diversity of Arab music and entertainment, through a series of high class concert performances in venues across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi by popular UAE and GCC singers and artists.

A series of impressive performances will instil pride and excitement throughout the audience.

Complementing these events is UAE Experience Pavilion - a world class exhibition celebrating the Nation’s unique heritage. Much of the content will consist of exclusive artefacts and photographs never before seen which explore exciting themes from the UAE’s past, present and future. This temporary exhibition will take place in the UAE Pavilion, which has been brought back from the 2010 Shanghai World Expo, located on Saadiyat Island.

The grand celebrations will kick off with The Vehicle Parade, a fun filled day out for the whole family which will take place in Yas Marina Circuit. A vibrant parade including up to 5,000 traditional Emirati-style dressed up cars, flags, face-painted children, marching bands and performers will stride through an arena bursting with live music and excitement.

This impressive line-up of events will dramatically conclude with an Official Ceremony attended by over 40,000 spectators on December 2nd in Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi on National Day. The spectacular stadium extravaganza will showcase the UAE story through a choreographed show illustrating the rich heritage and culture of the UAE, the vision and spirit of the Emirati people and the achievements of the nation over the past 40 years.

The official UAE 40th National Day website provides, full program listings for events taking place across the seven Emirates, interactive activities and background information. The comprehensive calendar of events includes details of all events taking place across the Nation and is updated on a daily basis as events are announced.

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