Set against the magnificent backdrop of Hatta’s dams, lakes, and valleys, the 50th National Day events scheduled for tomorrow (December 2) will include stories of notable UAE people, including women, who molded the country’s history.

Audiences around the UAE will be able to watch the official celebration live beginning at 5:30 p.m. on the UAE National Day official website and on all local TV networks.

The data show how much labor went into the preparations for this much-anticipated event, with more than 1,400 people from 100 different countries working for 142 days in the run-up to December 2.

On Sunday, certain members of the UAE Golden Jubilee Celebrations Committee provided new information to the media.

Eisa Alsubousi, Head of Communications for the UAE 50th National Day Executive Team, kicked off the briefing by introducing the various topics addressed in the briefing video. From the celebration’s corporate identity and the role of renowned UAE people in crafting the UAE’s history to the joyous music and dancing and the compelling aspects of the formal celebration event, there is something for everyone.

According to Saeed Al Suwaidi, Head of Research from Bani & Al Culture’s UAE 50th National Day team, the celebrations will focus on the people’s relationship with their homeland, with an emphasis on aspects related to the UAE’s agricultural, desert, mountain, and marine environments. He also stated that the show will include previously unseen stories about some of the distinguished figures, including women, who played a role in shaping the UAE’s history.

Butti Al Muhairi, Head of Operations for the UAE 50th National Day Executive Team, stated that preparations for the Hatta celebrations began more than 142 days ago. More than 1,400 people from over 100 countries worked on site for a total of more than one million and 500,000 man hours.

Music Composer Mohammed Al Ahmed of the UAE 50th National Day team said that this year’s celebrations will include orchestral performances and the tribal vocal art of ‘Al-Nadba’ and ‘Al-Ruwah,’ traditionally performed on national and celebratory occasions, by fusing Emirati traditional song with international music. He further stated that traditional dance acts such as ‘Al-Ayala,’ ‘Al-Harbiya,’ and others will be featured in the celebrations. The concert will also contain poetry, which will be prominently highlighted during the festivities, indicating its importance in UAE culture.

Floating stage

The formal celebration is overseen by Rawdha Al Qubaisi, Creative Executive Producer and Artistic Directors, Shaikha Al Ketbi and Es Devlin. One of the unusual aspects of the theatrical production is that it will be staged on a floating stage in the middle of the Hatta dam, surrounded by stunning scenery, employing cutting-edge technology.

The performance’s Artistic Directors stated in the briefing that the show will use never-before-seen state-of-the-art methods.

This year’s firework show included the use of drones to raise the explosions higher in the air, decreasing the consumption of pyro material and producing a new beautiful illusion and hypnotic experience.

The play also employs mid-air projections by employing water screens and a giant sculpture to create a floating theatrical experience for the audience, which is presented in Hatta Dam and flanked by the Hajar mountains.

Kholoud Sharafi, Brand Designer from Tinkah of the UAE 50th National Day team, discussed the creative path of designing the UAE National Day brand identity.

Sharafi described being influenced by archive items including postal stamps, television footage, jubilant messages published in newspapers, and even street signs and decorations from around the country.

Audiences around the UAE will be able to watch the official celebration live beginning at 5:30 p.m. on the UAE National Day official website and on all local TV networks. The stunning spectacle is open to the public from December 4th to December 12th, with tickets available at www.UAENationalDay.ae.