Simply Abu Dhabi IV

9 SIMPLY ABU DHABI SPIRIT OF THE UNION CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF THE UAE The United Arab Emirates’ heritage has always been celebrated with pride and insatiable energy, but the current 40th anniversary festivities have reached epic proportions and proven to be more extravagant and flamboyant than ever. For weeks leading up to the opening ceremony, the nation held its breath as streets, buildings and landmarks across the UAE were elaborately illuminated to reflect the grandeur of the forthcoming five-week party. While the general public took to the streets to feast on traditional dancing, costume, music and culinary treats, we watched in awe as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque & Al Jahili Fort in Al Ain were suddenly brought to life through a monumental montage of light, colour and 3D projections. At the very start of the forty day festival, Heritage Convoys, organised by the Emirates Heritage Club, travelled all over the region to demonstrate the importance of the country’s rich culture. Elsewhere, the outdoor Spirit of the Union Gallery opened and embarked on its quest to enter the Guinness Book of World Records. Displaying images that represent the history, culture and future of the UAE, the gallery has continued to add one photograph every day in its attempt to create the largest-ever outdoor photo exhibition.

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