A night in remembrance at Emirates Palace

A night of poetry, artistry and speeches was organised at Emirates Palace at suhoor time on Wednesday, to mark the passing away of Shaikh Zayed, on the 19th day of Ramadan. The Zayed Giving Event - Ten Years of Loyalty was hosted in Abu Dhabi by the Department of Presidential Affairs.

Shaima Al Moghery’s performance on sand art in progress at the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi.— KT photo by Shoaib Anwer

“This event is an ideal platform to let the Emirati culture of giving and sharing find new meanings, as the leaders set an example to the younger generation of caring for those less privileged around the globe, as well as to highlight the UAE’s great role in bringing different cultures and nations together,” stated Dr Mubarak Saad Al Ahbabi, chairman of the Department of Presidential Affairs in Abu Dhabi.

In the presence of Shaikh Diab bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, chairman of Kulna Association, three Emirati poets, Rashid Al Rumaithi, Rashid Sharar and Saif Al Mansouri took the stage to share their patriotic verses.

Their poems, in Bedouin dialect, were odes to the late Shaikh Zayed and the country’s achievements.

Emirati Shaima Al Moghery, gave a lengthy performance in sand drawing. From sand dunes to tower blocks, she depicted the country’s development and achievements, all thanks to Shaikh Zayed, whose image “carved” in sand ended her show.Shaikh Waseem Yousef, imam of Shaikh Zayed mosque shared a few words of wisdom, as well.

The evening ended with honouring the mother of the nation, Shaikha Fatima bint Mubarak.

silvia@khaleejtimes.com