The Official Ceremony for the UAE 40th National Day saw Zayed Sports Stadium full to capacity as thousands turned out to celebrate the achievements of the nation and honour the leadership of the UAE’s past and present. The Spirit of the Union came to life as young and old, men and women, Emirati and expats alike were patriotically dresses in the nation’s colours creating a sea of red, white, black and green across the stadium.

Attended by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President, the Emirates rulers and Crown Prince’s the stadium atmosphere was electric as crowds spilled into the arena once the doors open at 2pm. In anticipation of the grand show the crowd chanted and cheered in jovial fashion.

Commencing at 5pm with a Military Parade the crowds took to their feet in rousing applause to show their appreciation and pride for the UAE Military, Police and international humanitarian aid efforts. The parade concluded with a poignant military flyover.

As darkness fell across the stadium the crowd used free lcd lights, which were part of a goody bag -including a flag, CD and the Program of the Cermony - distributed to everyone who attended the event, to create a breathtaking twinkling scene.

The spectacular arena show celebrated those who initiated and influenced the development of the nation with eight separate scenes illustrating the growth and development of the nation. Sheikha Hessa bint Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan opened the ceremony by welcoming the guests and recapping a number of significant historical moments and people prior to the founding of the nation. The show then moves into a vibrant scene from the past showcasing the journey from the desert terrain through to the shores of the gulf. Talented acrobats and dancers recreate a stunning underwater spectacle which moves into a scene showing traditional hospitality and customs. As a sandstorm sweeps through the stadium, the scene changes to a poignant video of the Late Sheikh Zayed speaking about his vision for the Nation which renders the crowd silent in admiration.

The impact of those who planted and nurtured the seeds of change is represented as the dessert is transformed into an irrigated landscape ripe with possibilities for the future. Another milestone moment in the UAE’s history is dramatically recreated as the stadium fills with oilmen and oilrigs and is oil is discovered. A montage of imagery follows representing the establishment of the alliance between Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid’s as Sheikh Zayed reaches out further to all the Emirates, and commenced negotiations with the rulers to come together in partnership and found a nation. The crowd stands in pride as iconic images of the foundation of the nation are shown and the flag of the new state is raised.

Contemporary scenes illustrating the growth of a city, development of infrastructure and progress of health, welfare, education, culture and arts and technology, among others, follow depicting the growth of the nation. The stadium spectacular concluded with dramatic scenes of the vision of the future followed by dramatic laser lights and fireworks projected into the sky high above the arena.

Following the ceremony His Excellency Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority and Chairman of the Higher Committee for National Day expressed his pride and appreciation to all those who were involved in the organisation of such an amazing ceremony. He noted, “The objective of establishing The National Day Committee was to coordinate a National Programme of Celebrations on this auspicious occasion. The success of this has surpassed all expectations and this could be clearly seen in the stadium tonight as all who call the UAE home stood side by side in celebration. The ceremony itself was a seamless in promoting the national identity and a fitting tribute to the nation’s rich history, culture, and achievements. I would like to congratulate the committee members, and all those involved in the months of preparation, for their dedication and efforts in producing and delivering an extraordinary program of events and celebrations across the Nation”.

This larger than life arena production, which had more than 112 International specialist aerialists, skaters and acrobats from 25 countries, was a true tribute to the inspirational leaders past and present who have transformed the United Arab Emirates into the thriving economic nation of today.

For full event pictures and report on the UAE 40th National Day celebrations please visit www.uaenationalday.ae or connect with us on UAENationalday.ae/twitter and UAENationalday.ae/facebook

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