Simply Abu Dhabi IV

10 SIMPLY ABU DHABI Celebrating the Nation – the sky’s the limit Complementing these events was the UAE Experience Pavilion – a world-class exhibition celebrating the Nation. Much of the content consists of exclusive artefacts and photographs never before seen, which explore exciting themes from the country’s past, present and future. This temporary exhibition was located in the stunning UAE Pavilion, which has been brought back from the 2010 Shanghai World Expo, located on Saadiyat Island. The National Day Fireworks, which took place on the Corniche in Abu Dhabi in November, led the UAE into an all-encompassing and resounding celebration. Visitors from all over the Emirates gathered in their masses to enjoy a breathtakingly dramatic fireworks display as it animated the horizon in front of the Emirates Palace. Awash with colour, the illuminated night sky was an enchanting spectacle indeed. Combined with live music and national anthems sung with gusto by the patriotic crowd, there could hardly have been a more fitting dedication to the Spirit of the Union. Bigger, better, sumptuously extravagant and more opulent than anyone could possibly have ever imagined, the Official Ceremony hosted in the Zayed Sports City Stadium on December 2nd, was a larger than life explosion of dance, acrobatics, animation, song and theatrical puppetry. Utterly breathtaking, the show saw traditional Arabic dancers sharing the stage with the world’s finest multidisciplinary aerial artists and acrobats in a veritable feast for all of the senses. Best of the ancient and modern worlds While performers balanced grace with bravura, the audience were immersed in three dimensional animations that journeyed across scorching desert sands, untamed oceans and futuristic cities. The design incorporated ancient and modern-world elements, with the carefully selected and highly trained athletes performing nuanced, spellbinding feats, leaving all of us spectators on the edge of our seats and clamouring for more. In the days following, folk dances, poetry readings, dog shows and parades took place throughout the Emirates, crowned by several breathtaking world-class theatrical performances. A particular highlight for us was the hauntingly beautiful Union Fort outdoor operetta in the parklands of Abu Dhabi – an opera of national importance presented by the government. The Great Hall in the Crescent Building, meanwhile, played host to A Rhythm of Now and Loyalty – another high- class operetta, which contained emotional musical and poetical scenes depicting the achievements of Our Father Sheikh Zayed, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and their Highnesses, the Members of the Supreme Council. One could not help but offer a standing ovation to the promise and loyalty shown by the dedicated leaders over the last four decades. Artists and artistry from across the Emirates As if that wasn’t enough to indulge the artistic spirit, the fantastically flamboyant National Day Concerts celebrated the diversity of Arab music and entertainment – and showcased many well-known talents. This popular series of high-class concert performances took place in venues across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and included stunning performances by UAE and Gulf Cooperation Council singers and artists. Having gained iconic status for the general population, the annual Corniche Festival, as ever, offered the perfect location for friends and families to come together to enjoy a more carnival-like atmosphere. With street performers, traditional foods, live music acts and sports shows galore, the action-packed shoreline became a beacon of entertainment. With a new, expectation-exceeding event taking place every day, the last few weeks have easily showcased the most action-packed and culturally significant National Day celebration the UAE has ever seen. And there’s more to come... Yet to be seen but high on our list of expectations is Emirati Expressions, which is showing at Manarat Al Saadiyat until January 28th 2012. Arguably the most fitting culmination of a spectacular forty days, the exhibition unites ten Emirati photographers under the artistic direction of renowned photographer Stephen Shore, and reflects on the ‘movement of thoughts’; particularly on Emirati cultural heritage. The collection has received rave reviews and is marked firmly in our diary. As lavish as the celebrations have been, and still promise to be, they have served to remind us that our history is comprised of millions of stories – inspirational to each passing generation. In telling these stories, we keep them and our nation alive while creating new chapters that will add to the journey of the United Arab Emirates. The Spirit of the Union has been and will continue to be through the collective strength of many.