KU 41st National Day Ceremony العيد الوطني 41 في جامعة خليفة

Khalifa University Students Organize Innovative Show to mark the 41st National Day Celebrations

Khalifa University organized celebrations in honor of the UAE's 41st National Day at its Abu Dhabi and Sharjah campuses. The events were attended by the students, faculty and staff of Khalifa University, as well as, their families and invited guests. The celebrations at Abu Dhabi campus included a variety of activities such as demonstrations of traditional Yola and Rasfa dancing, poetry, and a special show that told the story of the UAE, from the past to the present and into the future. The show utilized a number of sketches, videos, cars, a horse and some audio and visual effects. The activity was an opportunity for Emirati youth to express their pride and aspirations for a future generation of engineers and scientists. Students also put together a museum called "A Story of A Nation", which tells the story of the early days of the Union, until the death of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The museum featured a number of old photographs and plays recited by talented students. As part of the celebrations, students also creatively put up UAE flags atop Abu Dhabi campus buildings, in response to an initiative by H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE's Minister of Foreign Affairs. Other activities included a souq that was built inside Abu Dhabi campus and demonstrated traditional food, merchandize and pets, while including a photography kiosk and a traditional tent where handicrafts such as straw weaving and pottery making were demonstrated, and renowned Emirati Chef Ali Al Kaabi held a demonstration on cooking traditional food. The evening ended with the announcement of the winner of the photo competition, which was entitled "UAE: In your eyes". The announcement of the winner was followed by a performance by the Emirati singers, Fahad and Faisal Al Jasem. "I would like to congratulate His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nayhan, we are honored to work in a University that holds his name, the leaders of the UAE and the people of the UAE on this national day." said Executive Vice President Dr. Arif Al Hammadi. "I would like to thank our students and staff for putting together such an enjoyable program for National Day. Our students did an excellent job showcasing Emirati tradition and heritage, and engaging our non-Emirati staff and students in the festivities. The National Day represents the UAE's success in the 41 years since its creation and it represents the importance of unity and cooperation. Our students and staff demonstrated this unity today, and showed their pride in the UAE and the bold vision of its founding fathers. We are molding the next generation of leaders and it's important that they recognize the achievements of the past as they move forward towards creating sustainable growth."