“The Spirit of the Union will live on throughout the years and it will remain the theme of this year’s festivities as we reflect on the past and pay tributes to the wisdom and foresight of the UAE’s great founding fathers — Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Shaikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum and other members of the Supreme Council as well as the present leaders who have built on such strong foundations,” said Shaikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development.

Shaikh Nahyan, also chairman of the higher organising committee of the 43rd National Day, briefed the media on Thursday about the preparations for the National Day events. He said that the celebrations will also be a time for looking towards an even brighter future, of economic, social cultural and technological milestones to come.

“The spirit of union symbolises the 2nd of December 1971 which was a day of glory when the seven emirates got united under one flag to form the UAE. We are celebrating the 43nd anniversary of this glory day with a variety of events taking place all over the emirates and shared by all of UAE residents,” Shaikh Nahyan said.

He added Emiratis will lead the festivities, taking pride in their identity and in the great achievements of their nation in all areas. “Expatriates who have contributed to the success of this nation and have embraced its culture and traditions will also have the opportunity to showcase their cultures to enable them to further integrate in the country’s community and boost security and stability,” Shaikh Nahyan said.

The celebrations will match the happy spirit of the Union, Shaikh Nahyan said, adding this year’s events will feature young talent awards, youth forum and awareness campaigns to educate foreign workers about their rights and duties.

Shaikh Nahyan pointed out the youth forum will focus on young Emiratis’ contribution to the development of their country.

Members of the organising committee suggested that the National Day’s events feature educational programmes about the newly approved law on compulsory military service.

To celebrate the UAE’s 43nd National Day a wide range of family activities and festive performances, including shows, children’s attractions, a UAE National Parade and much more have been planned and will take place at parks, shopping malls and other venues around the country.

The National Day festivities will include exclusive concerts and a wide variety of traditional activities like Emirati folk bands.

To celebrate the UAE’s 43nd National Day a wide range of activities and festive performances will be exclusively held in each emirate, but the military parade may be organised at several places across the country, Shaikh Nahyan said.

Shaikh Nahyan said the meeting was part of the early preparations for the forthcoming national occasion and to highlight the inspiring legacy and achievements of the late founding father of the nation, Shaikh Zayed. He added that celebrations will also highlight the big achievements made by the UAE since its establishment and during the leadership of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

“This interest in the celebrations reveals the real essence of this occasion which was an extremely important milestone in our history,” Shaikh Nahyan said, noting that unity has been instrumental in advancing the UAE to its current leading regional and international position, and further affirms the UAE’s loyalty to its deep-rooted principles and highlights the prosperity and security it has enjoyed since the days of the founding fathers. Officials and representatives of federal ministries, the UAE Armed Forces, government departments of different emirates attended the meeting.

Officials and representatives of federal ministries, the UAE Armed Forces, government departments of different emirates attended the meeting.

By Samir Salama Associate Editor

Gulf News 2014