DUBAI, 2 December 2021 – Emirati singer Fatima Zahrat Al Ain joined the UAE National Day celebrations at Expo with an intimate mid-afternoon performance at Al Wasl Plaza from 1515-1545 GST. She sang a mixture of traditional melodies and romantic songs, such as ‘Ghzaiel Fallah’, while playing the oud.
Dressed in a burgundy bejeweled abaya, the singer performed seated, with a large lantern candle on a table and a stack of orange cushions to one side of her, and invited the audience to sing along, responding to the many song requests, including a repeat performance of ‘Allah Ya Dar Zayed’, much to the delight of the crowd.
UAE National Day is celebrated every year to commemorate 2 December 1971 when the UAE declared independence as a sovereign nation following the efforts of UAE Founding Father, the late His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, to unite the emirates.
As announced by the UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, 2021 is known as ‘The Year of the 50th’. Commemorating 50 years since the founding of the UAE in 1971, it is a moment to reflect on the remarkable journey of its ‘Early Dreamers’ as the nation looks to the next 50 years with the same bold ambition.
Visitors this afternoon also got to see an artistic live performance highlighting the origins of Emirati culture, with ‘Al Meghzal: Journey of a Thread’ at Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre. The story is weaved together by a beautiful dancing spindle and thread, with a repeat performance from 1930-2000 GST.
Then there was entertainment skywards, as showgoers looked up to witness the Al Fursan aerobatics display team, part of the United Arab Emirates Air Force, in action. The seven aircraft took to the afternoon skies, twisting, circling, and flying in formation, with smoke representing the colours of the UAE flag trailing behind them.
There were many visitors from all over the world, who enjoyed the Al Fursan aerobatics team in particular.
Jenny from the Philippines said, “It is so beautiful. An amazing performance. It is my first time to see such a thing.”
Julien from France said, “It was an amazing show. A lot of people were waiting to watch this.”
Ali from Morocco said, “I love it. It is such a magical performance. I knew there was going to be an air show, so I waited for some time to watch it. It is just lovely.”
Also looking skywards, another Filipino woman was touring the Expo site with a group of friends: “It’s my first time visiting Expo and seeing these guys in action! I think it’s just so impressive – the way they can twist and turn!”
The National Day celebrations will continue into the evening, with a variety of events across the Expo site. One highlight will be the ‘Journey of the 50’ immersive show, with a grand theatrical production of over 200 performers, taking place at Al Wasl Plaza. The show begins at 1930 GST, with a livestream on the Jubilee Stage.
Also catch the fireworks display, set to start at 2000 GST. Assemble beforehand on Al Wasl Avenue and look towards the Dubai Exhibtion Centre (DEC) for the best view.
And there is a performance by Emirati singer Eida Al Menhali, due to start at 2030 GST on the Jubilee Stage. Best known for his single, ‘Motasoa’, Al Menhali is a highly regarded composer and poet.
(Subcribe to Asianherald: Kaleidoscope Light Festival at Al Forsan Park)