How to watch UAE's epic National Day show

Abu Dhabi - This year's production was designed by a team of Emiratis and a world-famous artistic director.

On the 49th UAE National Day, get ready to be wowed by a dramatic digital spectacle that you can watch from the safety of your home.

The live epic production on December 2 shall take the form of a moving sculpture surrounded by sea and illuminated by digital visuals that will revolve around the UAE’s history and values,, organisers of the official National Day celebration revealed today. Designed to inspire and beam hope and optimism, the spectacle is named ‘Seeds of the Union’.

The National Day show has always been a grand annual event for the country, and there never was a year when its stadium setting wasn’t filled to capacity. This year, however, safety remains a top priority with the Covid-19 virus still around and social distancing a golden rule.

To be staged in Abu Dhabi, the production will be broadcast live to an audience of millions in the UAE and beyond, ensuring residents can unite in celebration from their homes.

Khalfan Al Mazrouei, member of the organising committee of the Official 49th UAE National Day Celebration, said: “The Covid-19 pandemic required us to approach the official 49th UAE National Day celebrations in a new and ambitious way — one that uses digital visual technology to inspire an audience watching from home.

“The overarching theme of the live show is one of hope and optimism. Embracing the country’s rich legacy and traditions, it looks ahead to a vivid future in which we remain true to our values.

“The narrative of the show artistically revolves around the growth and transformation of a seed into a shoot and then finally into full bloom, mirroring the journey the UAE has taken in the last 49 years,” Al Mazrouei added.

More details of the show’s content will be revealed in the run-up to what promises to be one of the most spectacular productions to be staged in the UAE.

Safety behind the scenes

National Day is the annual celebration of the UAE’s formation on December 2, 1971. It is an opportunity to recognise 49 years of unity between the seven emirates and embrace the country’s spirit and values.

As the UAE’s official annual event, National Day brings together its multitude of nationalities in united celebration of inclusivity and tolerance.

The organising committee is working to create a memorable live event that will capture the nation’s imagination, ensure public safety during the pandemic, and spark celebrations for the Golden Jubilee next year.

In line with the UAE’s precautionary measures, the committee follows the highest standards of health and safety to ensure that every participant is safe. This includes a Covid-19 testing policy for all teams and cast members involved in the show’s production.

The production was designed by a team of Emiratis and artistic director Es Devlin, known for creating large-scale performative sculptures and environments that fuse music, language and light. She designed the closing ceremony for the London 2012 Summer Olympics, the opening ceremony of the Rio 2016 Summer Olympics and the UK Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai.

reporters@khaleejtimes.com

• Abu Dhabi