Saudi expats ready to mark National Day in UAE

Dubai - Dubai will host an exciting calendar of events, activities and retail promotions.

With only a few days left for the 89th National Day of Saudi Arabia, the UAE is gearing up to mark the day with a busy schedule of events and activities.
Major landmarks and malls in the UAE are prepared to join the festivities with special offers, great value on favourite experiences and exclusive promotions for both visitors from Saudi and residents in the city.
Saudi nationals in the UAE have voiced their excitement in celebrating the country's National Day in their "second home".
Turki bin Abdullah Aldakhil, Saudi Ambassador to the UAE, said the bilateral ties between the nations are based on common socio-political foundations.
"The tight bond has been clear in the joint understanding shared by the two countries for the very first years of the UAE foundation."
Saudi investments in the UAE have exceeded Dh35 billion, while the number of UAE projects in Saudi Arabia reached 114 compared to 206 Saudi projects in the UAE.
"Up to 23,000 Saudi companies are now operating in the UAE," he added.
Hamza Ahmed Aljohani, a 27-year-old expat from Saudi's Yanbu Industrial city, said he has always been fascinated by the UAE.
"From the very first moment I moved to the UAE in 2013 I was so impressed with this great country where one can see endless developments."
Aljohani decided to study computer engineering at Ajman University in 2014.
After the studies, Aljohani worked as a business development manager in a private company. "I then moved to Saudi Students Culture Club, where we are focusing on the model relationships between Saudi Arabia and the UAE."
"We never feel that we are living away from home when we are in the UAE," he underlined. "It's our country and we are so happy about this inspiring relationship."
Khaled Al Shahrani, a 22-year-old from Riyadh, said he decided to study in Ajman because of his love to this "great and advanced" country.
"It is the most suitable country not only for studying but also for living.
"Emiratis and Saudis are just one people. We share a lot; religion, language, culture, and even costumes to a great extent."
Al Shahrani, who is studying information systems and project management at the College of Engineering and Information Technology, moved to the UAE in 2014. After his studies, he plans to run his own business in the UAE.
Khalif Afandi from Jeddah said he always felt home while living in the UAE.
Afandi, who studied international tourism in Canada, moved to the UAE in February 2019 to help his father in his contracting and real estate business.
An array of events, offers
Dubai will witness a series of celebrations to mark the 89th National Day of Saudi Arabia on September 23. The city will host an exciting calendar of events, activities and retail promotions.
>Concerts: Emirati artist Shamma Hamdan will perform live at La Mer Beach Pavilion on September 20, while Balqees will perform at City Walk today. The Dubai Mall will also be hosting 'Saudi Celebrations' with two unique concerts to showcase emerging Saudi talent and traditional music. With stages at both The Dubai Mall and Souq Al Bahar, visitors can enjoy an eclectic range of emerging Saudi musical talent on September 21 with artists including Ismail Mubarak and Ramy Abdallah from 7pm-10pm and Fouad Abdelwahad on the September 22 from 7pm-10pm.
>Burj Khalifa: On September 23, visitors and residents will enjoy a spectacular LED light show at Burj Khalifa as it displays the Saudi flag with traditional music and the Saudi national anthem being played at the Dubai Fountains.
>Dubai airports: Saudi visitors at Dubai International Airport will be welcomed with an array of gifts, greeting messages and national Saudi songs. They will also be offered Arabic coffee, chocolates, scarves and children's badges.
>IMG Worlds of Adventure: From September 19-28, Dubai's first mega-themed entertainment destination will welcome Saudi families to enjoy a discount on the general admission ticket, which will be priced at Dh299, inclusive of a food voucher worth Dh50.
>The Dubai Mall: Saudi families can enjoy a special 20 per cent discount from September 19-23 at some of The Dubai Mall's favourite attractions by presenting their Saudi National ID card when booking.
>Dubai Festival City Mall: From September 19-23, Dubai Festival City Mall will present shoppers with with two-time Guinness World Record-breaking show, IMAGINE. Guests will be treated to a special KSA National Day themed light show each evening for five days. Shoppers will also benefit from attractive offers.
>MERAAS Destinations: Till September 23, MERAAS destinations will host celebratory activities to highlight its theme 'Our Home Is Your Home' for all its Saudi guests. Visitors can enjoy traditional activities  and fireworks will light up the skies on September 23 at The Beach, Bluewaters and The Pointe.
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai