American University of Sharjah (AUS) students held the Spirit of the Union event, the first of three events planned to celebrate the UAE's 40th National Day, at the university's Main Plaza yesterday, November 23.

In that inaugural event, students from different nationalities represented at AUS wore red, green, white and black shirts and arranged themselves to form the number 40 in a formation that also reflected the colors of the UAE flag.

The event was organized by the Office of Student Affairs and the Emirati Students Cultural Club in cooperation with the Palestinian and Iraqi student clubs.

Dr. Moza Al Shehhi, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, congratulated the leaders and the people of UAE on the occasion. She said, "This year's UAE National Day celebration at AUS is distinctive as many students have become increasingly supportive of the celebrations.  Students from different nationalities have jointly organized celebratory events with their fellow Emirati students to mark this special national occasion."

Ali Al Sharqi, the president of the Emirati Club said,  "We wanted to have all the nationalities we have here at AUS participate in the celebration of our 40th National Day, but we knew that some of them want to participate but do not know how." He added, "So we asked all of them to come and help us make that big display of the number 40, which was the easiest way for them to blend in with us and contribute in the celebration of our 40th National Day."

Other events planned include a Charity Mini-Marathon Festival for school and university students on the morning of Saturday, November 26, at the university's Main Roundabout, as well as the main two-day AUS Celebration of the 40th National Day on Tuesday and Wednesday, November 29-30, from 5 to 10 p.m. at the AUS Main Plaza. This event will feature a heritage village, a photo gallery, poetry and a parade, all to highlight the UAE's rich culture.