Dubai Culture Celebrates UAE’s 48th National Day

Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), in collaboration with Dubai Design District and The Supreme Legislation Committee, launched several cultural, arts and heritage events to celebrate the 48thNational Day of the UAE. Including a varied programme of activities and innovative creative ideas, the cultural, artistic, heritage and literary activities met the goals of the Year of Tolerance and also came in line with the vision of the Authority to make Dubai a global centre for art and culture, incubator of creativity and a thriving hub for talent.

Beginning on Thursday, November 28, and continuing on Monday and Tuesday, December 2 and 3, many government entities participated in these special events held at Dubai Design District (d3) and in Dubai Culture’s museums and heritage sites. Highlights included “People of Old Time”: an entertaining puppet show, presented by a group of seven people of determination as well as an artistic display of folklore dances such as Al Ayala and Al Harbeya at Etihad Museum, Al Shindagha Museum and Dubai Museum. Additionally, Dubai Culture organized cultural tours for tourists at Etihad Museum and Al Shindagha Museum to introduce visitors to the inspiring story of the founding of the UAE and its union.

This special programme of events targeted audiences from different cultures and nationalities. Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) explained that the Authority’s creative campaign reflects the UAE’s intrinsic values of tolerance in the best way possible. 

She commented: “Dubai Culture seeks to diversify its activities and involve all members of society, which spreads the spirit of tolerance and encourages cohesion among all people of the nation. It contributes to the formation of Dubai’s respectful society, enriches the awareness of the younger generations towards the value of the UAE’s union, and keeps pace with the ambitious plans of the country. We celebrated the UAE’s 48th national day with residents, citizens and visitors alike and took great pride and pleasure in introducing them to the inspiring story of the founding of the country.

“Our 48th National Day celebrations enhanced the tradition of ancient folklore and blended it with elements of contemporary culture, in line with the eight principles of Dubai, which mandates the city as a Land for Talent. Furthermore, they highlighted the uniqueness of Dubai’s cherished community as well as aligning with the Dubai 2021 Plan objective of establishing the Emirate as a city of happy, creative and empowered people.”

Khadija Al Bastaki, Executive Director of d3, commented: “It is both an honour and privilege to support the 48th National Day and bring the entire d3 community together to recognize this national event. We’re extremely fortunate that our community is made up of so many nationalities which truly make d3 a special place to work. This year, we’re delighted to have the support of our friends and colleagues in Dubai Culture, The Supreme Legislation Committee, Smart Dubai and Dubai Police to bring together the community for this auspicious occasion”.

Another highlight of the three-day programme was Art For Good, involving a group of artists from many nationalities who participated in making interactive art works, coming together in a socially cohesive manner and reflecting the humanitarian spirit of the UAE as well as its wise leadership. This activity also falls in line with UAE Centennial 2071, which focuses on the importance of interdependent society, by promoting communication, social solidarity and aims to reinforce the value ​​of tolerance and respect with particular focus on the youth.

Other activities included Meet the Locals: established by a group of creative young UAE nationals, this social tourism project offered heritage experiences focused on introducing visitors to local traditions like ‘alsana’, the Emirati traditional etiquette for welcoming guests, including demonstrating how to prepare local food and a specialized workshop about preparing and serving Arabic coffee. The event also hosted a a heritage Majlis that allowed visitors from different countries to know more about local traditions, and to participate in a range of heritage games transporting them back through generations.