Abu Dhabi University celebrates 41st National Day

Celebrations to commemorate the UAE’s 41^st National Day were held yesterday (Wednesday 21^st November) on Abu Dhabi University’s campus, where students, faculty, staff and visitors alike enjoyed folkloric dances, traditional handicrafts and cuisine, poetry recitals, and cultural art exhibitions. Held under the theme “Investing in people for a promising future”, the festivities celebrated the aims to raise awareness about the importance of investing in the younger generations, and to highlight the importance of community cohesion, coexistence and dialoguing with different peoples and cultures.

Dr. Nabil Ibrahim Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University stressed that the National Day celebrations is one of the events in which our Emirati and expatriate students are keen to participate in. “It gives them the opportunity to learn lessons from the sacrifices made by previous generations in order to build this nation, preserve its union and achieve the stability and prosperity we all enjoy today. The National Day is always an occasion when we remember the efforts of the founding father of the UAE the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and their Highnesses the Rules of the Emirates, who set forth the first building blocks of the union, and their eagerness to promote the important values of community cohesion, coexistence and the acceptance of other cultures”, said Dr. Ibrahim.

Dr Ibrahim explained that the theme of this year’s celebrations, “Investing in people for a promising future” was chosen to promote the importance of investing in future generations who will continue the process of national development and hopefully achieve greater prosperity and more social and economic growth. “These are the principles that we are keen to instill in our students as Abu Dhabi University is committed to building the UAE’s human capital, and graduating future leaders who will participate in the nation’s building”, concluded Dr.Ibrahim.

On his part, Ahmed Nashaat, Acting Manager of the Student Engagement and Development Office pointed out that the festivities hosted musical performances by the Abu Dhabi Police Band, a folkloric dance by students of Al Afaq Model School, a poetry recital by Ayed AlAhbaby and Mohamed Bin Sowelah Al Hamly, and a musical performance by Abdallah Al Shehy and Seif Fadel, and a cultural exhibition by the Emirati student club.

Commenting on the importance of commemorating the National Day, Hind Al Ameri a student from the College of Engineering and Computer Science and a member of the Emirati students club said: "Celebrations of the National Day is one of the most important annual events we are all eager to participate in, as it gives us the chance to exemplify that we all coexist and work together for the growth, prosperity and security of our beloved country under the leadership of H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, their brothers, Their Highnesses Members of the Supreme Council and Rulers of the Emirates, and H.H. Lieutenant General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces”.