The 35th UAE National Day promises to be full of surprises with special events being organised on a grand scale by the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) from December 1 to 3.
The fun-filled and colourful events will be held at the Heritage Village in Al Shindagha and Creek Park from 5pm until 10pm daily.
A Dh2 million budget has been allocated to organise the celebrations in a big way with large public participation from UAE nationals, residents and visitors.
Shaikha Ebrahim Al Mutawa, Chairperson of the National Day Committee 35 at the DTCM, said 15 major events will take place at the Heritage Village, while the Creek Park will be the venue for the XGames.
One of the major highlights of this year's celebrations will be the Best Decorated Hotel Awards, designed to create a unique touch to the event and involve the tourism industry in the celebrations.
As many as 12 hotels are participating in the competition for the award, which will be named by a panel of judges.
Another major attraction will be the preparation of the biggest Al Lukaimat, a traditional dish with the help of 300 chefs from different nationalities. In all, 35,000 pieces of Al Lukaimat will be prepared and distributed to the visitors.
Bab Al Shams Desert Resort will be preparing a huge cake featuring the Union Square in Dubai where the national flag was hoisted to mark the formation of the UAE on December 2, 1971.
An operetta on the Zayed Generation will be staged by 50 female students and 35,000 roses will be given to the public at the venues, government departments and select hotels in addition to 5,000 giveaways.
An exhibition of marine life and traditional tools will be another highlight. A talent exhibition featuring works of artist Ali Mohammed will be organised. There will also be an opportunity for children to express their creativity through a painting workshop at the venue.
There will be a series of performances by Dubai Police and Arabic music bands at the Heritage Village.
Union Carnival and traditional music competitions will be held in addition to fireworks. The department has also decorated its head office and other sites with balloons and festoons.
This year's celebrations are being sponsored by Patchi, Paris Gallery, Philips, Technopro, Bab Al Shams Desert Resort, Iffco, Nestle and Al Jowdhar.
By Emirates Today Staff
© Emirates Today 2006
