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Celebrating future with the past

ABU DHABI — The UAE heritage will be the main theme for the National Day celebrations in the capital this year.

by

Silvia Radan

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Published: Fri 1 Dec 2006, 9:17 AM

Last updated: Sat 4 Apr 2015, 6:22 PM

A four-day programme at the Heritage Village and the Corniche is being organised by the Emirates Heritage Club (EHC) in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, the Ministry of Culture, the Abu Dhabi Municipality and the Etisalat.

Explaining why Abu Dhabi, one of the richest capitals in the world, has chosen to celebrate the country's National Day by going back to its roots, Mohammed Saif Al Neyadi, General Manager, EHC, says, "Every country has an ID and heritage is the UAE's passport. To survive as a nation, we must keep our traditions alive and this is the message we must send to our new generations."

In the Heritage Village, residents will be transported to a world of bedouins, seamen and farmers. Traditional Arabian houses, tents and souks with several handicrafts shops have been set up.

"We have guides there to explain to visitors everything they would like to know about our heritage," says Neyadi.

There will be gala evenings at the Corniche with traditional songs, arts and crafts bazaars and fireworks. A traditional dhow show will also be organised.

In the recently opened theatre on the Breakwater, lectures will be delivered today and poetry reading sessions will be hosted on December 4.

As he prepares to give the finishing touches to the preparations of UAE National Day festival, the EHC General Manager remembers the very first celebration of the federation. "In those days, I was studying in the military school. Everybody was really happy. I remember we were waiting for the shaikhs to finish their meeting and after they signed, we went to congratulate them," recalls Neyadi.

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