The big one: fireworks around the city
On the night of 2nd December, the city of Abu Dhabi will light up with what is claimed to be “the largest fireworks [display] in the history of the world” to honour Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s “vision to be no 1 in the world“. There will be fireworks at 25 locations around the city, including Emirates Palace, and it will be absolutely fantastic. Information: www.uaefireworks.com/index.html
The Municipality of Abu Dhabi City, which is organising the fireworks, actually has a 38-day festival of artistic and family events running around the city from National Day onwards – each day representing one year of the life of the UAE Federation “The festival will be particularly attractive to families,” says the Municipality.
Cultural connection
From 2nd to 4th December, the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) will be running a busy programme at the big car park near the Federal National Council building on the Corniche – including fireworks, children's library, theatre performance, traditional tent, and a daily artistic programme, featuring these traditional Arabic singers:
2nd December – Al Wassmy, Saber Al Robaey, Sherine
3rd December – Hamad El Ameri, Nancy Ajram, Mohamed Fouad
4th December – Eida El Manhaly, Abdalah Roaished, Fadel Shaker
Green days
The UAE National Day golf tournament will be held at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club with a 1pm shotgun start on 2nd December. The annual event is open to all UAE nationals and residents holding a valid UAE handicap.
The organisers, the Emirates Golf Federation, are expecting a big turnout: “the tournament has always been oversubscribed — and we are expecting another full house,” said Saeed Albudoor, general manager of the Emirates Golf Federation. Information: www.emiratesgolffederation.com
The Abu Dhabi Golf & Equestrian Club will be holding a members-only tournament with a shotgun start at 8.00am and 1.00pm on 4th December to honour National Day.
Teams of four must be the same nationality and all teams are obliged to perform a short national dance at the starter's hut. Prizes go to the three top teams plus Best dressed team, Best decorated buggy, Best Flag and Best dance. Information: www.adec-web.com
Exciting Emirates
As well as the fireworks display (see above) Emirates Palace will have a dramatic laser projection show lighting up the sky each evening from 1st to 3rd December, running from 6pm until after midnight.
Inside the hotel the Dome will be showing an original painting of Sheikh Zayed by Roland Van Merbeck until 4th Dec; the Time to Shine – Abu Dhabi Vision to Reality exhibition of painting and photography will be staged from 30th November to 4th December; and Emirates Palace will also be displaying the UAE’s biggest greeting card in the Dome, a 7.5m high card on which both guests and visitors will be able to add their own special messages.
Information: www.emiratespalace.com
National eats
Fancy a nibble? All guests coming to the Beach Rotana will be given a home-made petit four with the UAE flag design on top and a UAE flag pin. A huge UAE National Day cake will be displayed in the foyer, Rosebuds restaurant will be serving an Arabic Buffet for lunch and dinner, and the Italian restaurant Prego’s will have four-colour pasta dishes with the colours of the UAE flag. Information: 02 697 9000
At the Intercontinental, traditional gifts will be placed in the room of every guest and each guest entering the hotel will be welcomed with a cup of traditional Arabic coffee. Female employees will be wearing traditional abayas, and for three days either side of UAE day, traditional food will be served in the hotel restaurant. There is also talk of dancers and camels along the beach. Information: 02 666 6888
The Shangri-La features a celebratory Global Buffet lunch that will include local specialities including offerings from Hoi An and Shang Palace - price AED 220 plus taxes per person. For kids there will also be face-painting, balloon-bending, clowns and a bouncy castle. In addition, National Day hampers are for sale – the small one at AED 200 includes a large box of handcrafted chocolate pralines, mini creations holding the UAE flag, a cane box of thin chocolates, and a bottle of Jean Paul Gaultier water. Information: 02 509 8888
Mall magic
Most of the malls have fun events. Khalidiyah Mall for instance is promising flags, decorations and balloons, two live local bands, face-painting and PS3 games for kids …and probably for some adults too.
And Abu Dhabi Mall is hoisting a programme of activities from the Ministry of Culture, Youth & Community Development from 1st to 5th December – free educational contests, a children's world carnival, and famous cartoon characters.
The National Day emblem
The official emblem for the 38th National Day celebrations was selected from more than 50 entries from students of various universities and colleges as well as specialised companies. The logo, which will be used as the official symbol for all formal events across the country, signifies “the true expression of the bond of love and patriotism cherished in the hearts of all UAE citizens”.
The Higher Committee for National Day Celebrations, headed by Abdul Rahman bin Mohammed Al Owais, Minister of Culture, selected the winning emblem as the most expressive candidate from the five shortlisted entries.
