Emirati Culture Club and Masdar Institute Life Club Organize Numerous Activities Depicting UAE’s Culture and Tradition
The day’s activities began with the playing of the National Anthem by students, faculty and staff from Masdar Institute who were joined by 48 students from Ibn Sina School, Abu Dhabi, in singing the anthem and taking the ‘Pledge of Allegiance’ to UAE Flag. This was accompanied by releasing of balloons in UAE colors and the unfurling of the National Flag.
Dr Behjat Al Yousuf, Dean of Students, Masdar Institute, said: “Each year, we mark the UAE National Day with much fervor and enthusiasm. This year the Masdar Institute Life Club and Emirati Culture Club have organized the day’s events, showing their gratitude to the country’s leadership for their consistent support. On this memorable day, we offer our sincere wishes to the UAE’s leaders for ensuring the country’s steady economic progress over the years. At the same time, we offer our sincere congratulations to the UAE’s leaders for the winning bid for Expo 2020. The day is truly special with this additional achievement.â€
Key features at the festivities included a ‘Gallery’ that displayed an image of the Founding Father of the UAE Late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, painted by a student and video footages of the great leader who built the country into a modern progressive state. A ‘souq’ offered a glimpse into the market of a bygone era, while the features of ‘Old City’ were illustrated through huts with thatched roofs, a grocery and a traditional food section.
A total of 12 children role-played as students of the old Quranic School in reciting verses from the Holy Quran even as traditional and contemporary Emirati music continued to echo across the campus throughout the day.
Two integral aspects of desert life – the camel and falcon – were on display, reiterating the UAE’s link with traditional lifestyle. A vintage car showcased at the campus reflected the Emirati regard for antique design and fashion. Fisher-folk working on fishing gear near a 13mx3m sea vessel portrayed coastal life of a different era in the UAE.
Later in the day, guests were honored while three winners of the Floral Design and Flower Art Competition were presented with prizes. Participants in the two ‘Best Costume’ competitions – one for the visiting kids and the other for ‘International’ students – displayed their creativity to outrank others and take away the prizes.
Many UAE National students marked the day with their special messages. “Being an Emirati is a gift from the Almighty”, reflected Shaikha Omran Al Shamsi, a student at Masdar Institute, who greeted the country’s leaders for their support to youth.
Ahmed Simrin, a PhD student, said: “I have lived in the UAE for more than two years now, and I can say that the UAE has become my second home. I am impressed by how fast this country is growing especially in this part of the world. As an Arab, I am proud of the UAE. On behalf of all Jordanians, I would like to congratulate the people and leaders of the UAE on the occasion of the 42nd national day.â€
Serving as a key pillar of innovation and human capital, Masdar Institute remains fundamental to Masdar’s core objectives of developing Abu Dhabi’s knowledge economy and finding solutions to humanity’s toughest challenges such as climate change.
Established as an on-going collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Masdar Institute integrates theory and practice to incubate a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, working to develop the critical thinkers and leaders of tomorrow. With its world-class faculty and top-tier students, the Institute is committed to finding solutions to the challenges of clean energy and climate change through education and research.
