The 50th UAE National Celebrations in Hatta

• The National Day show will include stories of distinguished UAE figures, including women, who shaped the history of the country
• More than 1,400 individuals from 100 nationalities worked over 142 days on the preparations for the UAE National Day celebrations
• Orchestra performances, vocal art of Al-Nadba and Al-Ruwah, traditional dancing, and poetry to feature prominently during the celebrations
• A floating theatrical experience in the middle of Hatta dam against a backdrop of a magnificent display of fireworks using drone technology
• UAE 50th National Day brand identity highlights symbols from the UAE’s culture

Dubai- Hatta — Set against the scenic landscape of Hatta’s dams, lakes and valleys; a briefing video prepared by the UAE Golden Jubilee Celebrations Committee was released ahead of the UAE National Day. It highlighted the main aspects of the 50th National Day celebrations planned on December 2.

Eisa Alsubousi, Head of Communications of the UAE 50th National Day Executive team started the briefing by introducing the different facets covered in the video. From the celebration’s brand identity and the role of distinguished UAE figures in shaping the history of the UAE to the celebratory music and dance and the captivating features of the official celebration ceremony.

Saeed Al Suwaidi, Head of Research from Bani & Al Culture of the UAE 50th National Day team said the celebrations will focus on the relationship between the people and their homeland by emphasising aspects related to the UAE’s agricultural, desert, mountain and marine environments. He also noted that the show will include stories heard for the first time about some of the distinguished figures, including women, who played a role in shaping the history of the UAE.

On operations, Butti Al Muhairi, Head of Operations of the UAE 50th National Day Executive team said that preparations for the celebrations in Hatta started more than 142 days ago. More than 1,400 individuals from over 100 nationalities worked for a total of more than one million and 500 thousand man hours on site.

By fusing Emirati traditional song with international music, Music Composer, Mohammed Al Ahmed, of the UAE 50th National Day team said that this year’s celebrations will include orchestral performances and the tribal vocal art of Al-Nadba and Al-Ruwah, traditionally performed on national and celebratory occasions. He added that the celebrations will also include music from traditional dance performances such as Al-Ayala, Al-Harbiya and others. The show will also include poetry which will be featured prominently during the festivities signifying its prominent role in UAE culture.

On the artistic direction front, the official celebration is managed by Rawdha Al Qubaisi, Creative Executive Producer and Artistic Directors, Shaikha Al Ketbi and Es Devlin. One of the extraordinary features of the theatrical show is that it will be set on a floating stage in the middle of the Hatta dam amidst the breathtaking landscape using state-of-the-art technology. The Artistic Directors of the show noted in the briefing that the show will include state-of-the-art techniques that have never been seen before. One particular technique used this year in the firework display is the use of drones to lift the fireworks higher in the air, thus reducing the use of pyro material and creating a new breathtaking illusion and mesmerising experience.

The show also uses mid-air projections by utilizing water screens and a large sculpture to bring to the audience a floating theatrical experience, staged in Hatta Dam and surrounded by the Hajar mountains.

Kholoud Sharafi, Brand Designer from Tinkah of the UAE 50th National Day team, spoke about the design journey of creating the brand identity of the UAE National Day. Sharafi mentioned how she was inspired by archival materials such as postage stamps, television footage, celebratory letters published in newspapers and even street signage and decorations from around the country.

Audiences across the UAE will be able to watch the official celebration live starting 5:30pm on the official website of the UAE National Day and on all local TV channels. The spectacular show is open to the public, starting from the 4th until the 12th of December, tickets are available on www.UAENationalDay.ae 

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To access the media kit, please click here
https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/19yTSARdC8A4NR094tocoOoV4nIPSlEkc
For more information, visit www.UAENationalDay.ae 
For media requests please contact media@uaenationalday.ae 

About The Year of the 50th

His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, declared 2021 as ‘The Year of the 50th’ to commemorate 50 years since the nation’s founding in 1971.

Running from 6 April 2021 to 31 March 2022, the celebration coincides with the UAE’s hosting of Expo 2020. The celebration is an investment in people-building first – using this inflection point to celebrate our remarkable journey over the last 50 years and begin preparing our nation for the transformative change that lies ahead in the next 50.

About the UAE Golden Jubilee Committee:

The UAE Golden Jubilee Committee was formed in December 2019 under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. Chaired by His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, with Her Highness Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed as Vice Chair, the Committee is tasked with mapping out the Emirates’ Golden Jubilee celebrations, developing and executing a comprehensive plan to mark the Year of the 50th on both federal and local government levels. The Committee is also working towards delivering a diverse agenda covering four strategic pillars that include development initiatives to drive changes across social, economic and development policies for generations to come. 

© Press Release 2021