A grand spectacle will be broadcast from the enclave to mark the nation's Golden Jubilee

Hatta is the location of choice to celebrate 50 years of the United Arab Emirates

photo_camera PHOTO/WAM - Hatta, United Arabs Emirates

The United Arab Emirates celebrates its 50th anniversary on 2 December with a special show for the country's citizens. The government has chosen the enclave of Hatta, a site 130 kilometres southeast of Dubai.

The choice of this location was announced by several important officials in the territory. One of them, the prince and supreme leader of the Armed Forces, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, via the social network Twitter, where he said: "The 50th Anniversary of National Day will be held this year in Hatta. Across the nation we continue to pursue our ambitions with optimism, confidence and firm determination, building on our principles to create a promising future for the next fifty years. Dubai's vice-president and ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, was also among those who announced the choice of location and welcomed the decision; "the celebration of National Day is a representation of our culture and identity from all parts of our country," the Dubai prince said in a video via Twitter. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed also tweeted that "there are 27 more days left to celebrate the Fiftieth Anniversary of National Day in the heart of Hatta". Finally, Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed stressed the importance of this day and commented that "it is a historic day that marks a milestone for our country's achievements. We will pay tribute to these fifty years since the founding of our country and together we will work towards the centenary". 

Hatta, Emiratos Árabes Unidos

In addition, the emirate is planning a grand celebration and spectacle at the locations chosen for the country's commemoration. Shaikha al-Ketbi, the creative director chosen for the anniversary confirmed that she would be the director and commented that "the day will be marked by a spectacular show that will highlight the relationships between people, nature and technology. It will be an experience that will take the viewer on a learning journey through the history of the United Arab Emirates. Through a storytelling and artistic narrative, it will also offer a promising insight into anyone who calls the UAE home. This exhibition can be viewed via streaming from anywhere, on local TV channels at 17:30 pm and anyone wishing to visit the site from 4-12 December can purchase tickets in advance at www.UAENationalDay.ae. 

Hatta, Emiratos Árabes Unidos

The choice of this location is not by chance. The city of Hatta, plus the surrounding lakes and landscapes, is equidistant from all seven emirates that make up the nation, which is why it was chosen as it is at the same distance from all the kingdoms that make up the United Arab Emirates. Hatta is a city that is surrounded by mountains, lakes and valleys where much of the country's history can be found. A few days ago, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid announced plans to build a beach, a new lake and a cable car up the surrounding mountains.  

PHOTO/WAM - Hatta, Emiratos Árabes Unidos 

Last year, during the 49th anniversary, the Emirati capital was chosen for the celebrations. Performed by a local artistic team, the show was themed 'Seeds of Union', which depicted the growth of the UAE from a seed at its formation on 2 December 1971 to its blossoming 49 years later. It also featured audience participation in the singing of the national anthem and featured tributes to the country's founding fathers and to the workers who were on the front line in the face of the coronavirus crisis. 

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