American University of Sharjah (AUS) celebrated the 48th UAE National Day at a special event held on campus yesterday, November 26.

The event, which featured various folkloric performances and activities, opened with the national anthem followed by a performance by children from the Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services. Visitors also had the opportunity to walk around the AUS Plaza and learn about the history and traditions of the UAE.

“We are celebrating the past, present and future of the UAE. The event was divided into various sections illustrating the cultural heritage of the UAE with a focus on the youth, innovation and space,” said Mohammad Al-Nuaimi, President of the UAE Cultural Club at AUS.

The Past Pavilion reflected the rich history and heritage of the UAE. It featured traditional Emirati food like luqiamat. The Present Pavilion featured a number of UAE start-ups, and provided an interactive and educational experience in its space tent, which also included a live drawing of astronauts Hazza Al-Mansouri and Sultan Al-Neyadi by the artist Sara Abbas.

One of the students, Mariam Al-Muheiri, expressed her pride in her country and said: “This celebration makes you think of the achievements that the UAE accomplished within such a short period of time. It also gives you a window to the country’s future plans and what’s to come.”

The celebration also included various live performances, such as poetry recitation by AUS students Saood Al-Shamsi and Sultan Al-Junaibi, and sand drawing by the artist Naif Abeeb Mohammad.

According to Al Nuaimi, “Our main focus was on both on-stage and off-stage activities. We wanted to showcase our traditions as well as highlight established Emirati performers and the entertainment industry in the UAE today.”

ENDS