Dubai: The official ceremony of the UAE’s 52nd Union Day unveiled at Expo City Dubai on 2nd December, with the distinguished presence of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, along with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and the Rulers of the Emirates.
The event was also attended by the Crown Princes and several guests attending the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28).
The 30-minute official ceremony featured innovative technologies and breathtaking performances on a revolving stage that took audiences through a journey of the UAE’s rich heritage and the connecting threads of unity and sustainability across its history.
Tracing the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who upheld the values of sustainable development and empowerment for the world, the ceremony honoured the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, while recognising the unity and resilience of its people.
Accompanied by a live orchestral performance by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Emirati musicians, the ceremony highlighted the UAE’s sustainability journey, shedding light on the UAE’s vision of a prosperous future shared with the world–in climate adaptation, overcoming challenges through innovation and cooperation, and collective action–championed by inspiring actionists from the UAE and around the globe.
The production included five scenes: Union of Hope, Nature’s Beauty, Navigating Climate Shift Together, Actioning Innovation, and Progress to Global Unity.
Recognising the inspiring youth of the UAE, the scenes spotlighted both local and international actionists who are innovating solutions to global climate challenges–including Emirati actionists Maitha Al Mansoori, Maryam Hassani, Saeed AlHassan, and Amal Al Gergawi, who work in the fields of plant ecology, renewable energy, agriculture, and conservation respectively.
Also featured were global actionists and representatives of Zayed Sustainability Prize-winning entities Harish Hande, Nidhi Pant, and Mohon Kumar Mondal.
The various elements of Sadu were handwoven by Emirati artisans from the ‘House of Artisans,’ an initiative of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. Sadu has been a vital craft for Emirati women, who used it to weave tents and household items and contribute to the family income.
Preparations for the ceremony in Expo City started in April 2023 with more than 7,000 individuals from around the world, who all worked together for the 52nd Union Day ceremony. The orchestra consisted of 90 members of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and local musicians.
Choreographed by Sadeck Berrabah, the performances were composed based on only three words: “innovation,” “together,” and “collaboration.” To conclude the ceremony, meticulously designed props simulated the light effects of fireworks, emphasising the sustainable design and focus of the ceremony.
