The Sheikh Zayed Festival, currently being held at Al Wathba in Abu Dhabi, celebrated the 52nd Union Day of the UAE with a special programme of events, activities, and performances in all areas and pavilions.
The celebrations reflected the people’s pride and joy for the nation and the incredible journey that continues to be hailed because of the outstanding accomplishments of the country and its people, led by the wise leadership.
The festival’s pavilions and various areas welcomed visitors of all ages with a wide range of cultural, heritage-related, and recreational events that began at 16:00 and lasted until 01:00, including major fireworks displays and balloons released to the sky, a drone show, and the delightful presentation of the Emirates Fountain and Laser Show. The World Civilisations Parade entertained the audience, along with roaming performances of music and folklore that told stories of Emirati culture and traditions.
UAE Heritage
The Festival’s Heritage Village witnessed a great turnout of
visitors, as it provided an authentic representation of the four Emirati environments, namely the Mountain, Agriculture, Marine, and Desert. It presented visitors from all nationalities with the story of Emirati heritage and traditions from various aspects through several exhibits representing marine and agriculture traditions in earlier times, fishing, women gathering firewood, folk tales or ‘Khrareef,’ and traditional weddings with their special Emirati customs, in addition to a showcase of traditional handicrafts, arts, and products that the ancestors mastered to represent Emirati history and creativity.
Emirates Fountain
Thousands of visitors circled the Emirates Fountain, the largest water fountain of its kind in the region, as they enjoyed the various festive events and performances of Union Day, which included a show by the Abu Dhabi Police Musical Band, Abu Dhabi Police String Band, an orchestra, the Girls Heritage Band and Al Razfah Military Band, in addition to the Ayala heritage performance, wher
e military and heritage performances reflected the traditional heritage of the UAE and bring joy to visitors who expressed their pride in the country’s achievements over the past decades, along with the dazzling Emirates Fountain’s water, light and laser formations.
Pavilions of participating countries organised several cultural and entertainment events, performed by various folk dance and music groups, to celebrate the 52nd Union Day of the UAE along with the Emirati people. They also participated in the World Civilisations Parade, which went to all areas of the Festival in an atmosphere full of joy.
Fireworks
Festival visitors, especially children, were exhilarated by the release of thousands of balloons into the Festival’s skies, with more than 15,000 flying colourful balloons that coloured the day with joy and excitement, as well as the major fireworks that depicted amazing formations with dazzling lights and colours that adorned the skies of Al Wathba area to celebrate Union Day.
Drone Show
The dron
es fascinated Festival visitors of all ages with a special show that displayed elements of the history and heritage of the United Arab Emirates, the formation of the UAE Federation, and the vision of the late Founding Father of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Drones flew in formations that represented the seven Emirates through separate circular designs that united to form the map of the UAE.
Al Wathba skies lit up with drone formations, such as a picture of the UAE as a tree growing, watered with water drops, to symbolize the “Year of Sustainability”. Drones also provided 3D representations of architectural and technological heritage, futuristic aspects like flying taxis, and the new Zayed International Airport, which delighted visitors with the breathtaking display.
Funfair City
Funfair City was crowded with thousands of visitors of all ages, excited to try the various rides and attractions designed to cater to various age groups and interests. Shows, concerts, and heritage competitions were
presented at the Children’s Theatre to foster a deep sense of belonging and patriotism in younger generations during the celebration of the 52nd Union Day of the UAE.
Children’s City
The Children’s City also witnessed the participation of many children and their families who came to take part in the various workshops, competitions, and live performances that gave them a chance to win valuable prizes in an atmosphere designed to delight young ones with new games, theatrical performances, talent shows and many more on the occasion of Union Day.
The Festival’s Majalis Abu Dhabi Pavilion presented several events to celebrate the 52nd UAE Union Day, including various traditional arts and crafts workshops for children, the making of Tali, Al Sana’a, painting and pottery, as well as little artists and calligraphy workshops, in addition to a special awareness session entitled, “Volunteering is a National Responsibility”. The pavilion also awarded visitors valuable prizes through a trivia competition on UAE heritag
e and traditional customs.
Visitors to the Festival enjoyed discounts and offers presented by the pavilions and shops on Union Day. Visitors also enjoyed sensational new dining experiences provided by many local and international restaurants that served various cuisines to meet all visitors’ tastes and culinary expectations in a family-friendly, cultural, and entertaining environment that brings people together to celebrate National Day.
The Sheikh Zayed Festival will receive visitors daily until 9th March 2024, from 16:00 until midnight on weekdays, and until 01:00 during weekends and public holidays. The festival provides an excellent opportunity for visitors of all ages and nationalities to spend memorable moments with family and friends, enjoy the outdoors, and experience various innovative and exciting events, activities, and competitions.
Source: Emirates News Agency