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Mohammed makes Zayed University students’ day

DUBAI — Thousands of students at Zayed University celebrated National Day with traditional fervour and excitement in a special ceremony hosted on the university campus in Dubai. Attending the celebrations, His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, lauded the efforts of the students in organising the various events highlighting Emirati folklore.

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The celebrations commenced with the screening of a documentary film about the formation of the federation and the march of the UAE’s founding father, late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. A special session on ‘Shaikh Zayed’s Leadership Qualities’ highlighted the historic role of the late leader in taking the federation to great heights with his charismatic leadership.

Speaking during the session, Abdul Ghaffar Hussain, Chairman of the Emirates Human Rights Association, said, “Shaikh Zayed demonstrated a strong personality along with the power of logic and persuasion. He was able to bring together the Arab tribes and unite them as a federation.”

Traditional music and dances set the mood for a grand celebration as Shaikh Mohammed toured the exhibition hosted by the students to highlight the Emirati heritage and culture.

“We are blessed with great leaders and it is really a great honour for us to host Shaikh Mohammed at our university,” said Sana Al Marzouqi, president of the Student Council at the university.

The event was attended by Shaikh Majid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, Shaikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Abdul Rahman Mohammed Al Owais, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development, Juma Al Majid and a number of senior officials and educational leaders among a crowd of students from Zayed University, Higher Colleges of Technology and some schools.

A special moment for nine-year-old

DUBAI — Maryam Mahmoud Faramawy, a nine-year old student of Salma Al Ansaria School, was brimming with excitement when she was selected to welcome Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid as part of the National Day celebrations at Zayed University.Dressed in the colours of the UAE flag, Maryam’s confidence, poise and charm reflected in the poem she recited to welcome Shaikh Mohammed.

“It was my dream to meet Shaikh Mohammed and I am so thrilled that my school had selected me to recite the welcome poem,” said Maryam.

Maryam’s animated expressions and hand movements won Shaikh Mohammed’s heart as he held Maryam’s hand and took her on a tour of the campus along with the delegation.

“I could not believe it. I was honoured to be holding the Ruler’s hand and walking with him,” she gushed.

Seated between Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Shaikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyanat the university convention centre, it was a special moment for the girl, a memory that will stay with her for a long time to come.

muaz@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE