From 28 November to 3 December, Dubai hosts a large-scale celebration to mark the 53rd anniversary of the establishment of the United Arab Emirates. The celebration is called “Eid Al Etihad”, which means “union day”.

The United Arab Emirates authorities have set up special venues in each emirate where residents and visitors will be able to watch the “Eid Al Etihad” celebrations on 2 December 2024.

This year’s celebration focuses on the legacy of the UAE’s founding fathers. During the celebration period, tourists and UAE residents are able to enjoy festive events including cultural exhibitions, concerts, parades and fireworks. 

Earlier, Moscow also hosted the United Arab Emirates National Day celebrations. 

The event included a concert that reflected the traditions and heritage of the UAE. Mohammed Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE’s Ambassador to Russia, addressed the guests of the evening.

“In 53 years of its history, the UAE has managed to become a clear example of one of the leading economic and political forces in the region and the world and has made significant progress in all the fields. […] We have had close friendly relations with the Russian Federation since the very beginning of the establishment of diplomatic relations (with the USSR on 8 December 1971. – Ed.),” he stated.

He also noted that the countries work together on a range of regional and international issues of common interest.

“The United Arab Emirates are ready to closely cooperate with the Russian Federation and other partners among the BRICS member countries in the frameworks of Russia’s chairmanship this year during which the UAE actively participated in all events on different levels and in various fields”

Mohammed Ahmed Al Jaber The UAE Ambassador to Russia

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Aleksey Overchuk pointed out that the shared value is the friendly multidimensional relations between the UAE and Russia, the privileged nature of which is enshrined in the declaration on strategic partnership between the two countries signed in Moscow in 2018.

In addition to the official part, a rich cultural programme was prepared for the guests. They were able to taste traditional Emirati sweets, visit the photo zone, and familiarise themselves with exhibitions of Emirati paintings, artifacts, sculptures and goods.

Azza Al Qubaisi, UAE based Artist, Designer, in an exclusive commentary for TV BRICS spoke about the artworks she presented at the exhibition.

“I have a group of my artwork from different collections. One is from metaphors between the lines and roots. Most of my work talks or reflects our identity and different aspects that relate to our nature and environment,” she said.

She also noted that participating internationally out of the country is very important to reflect the UAE’s culture: “For me to be invited as a guest to showcase some of my work in Moscow is something that is important to open a dialogue, to meet you, and to meet a different audience and get to introduce them to our culture through the art that we create.”

An agreement between the rulers of the six emirates (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Umm al-Quwain, Fujairah and Ajman) was reached on 2 December 1971. At that time, a federation called the United Arab Emirates was officially established. A seventh emirate, Ra’s al-Khaimah, joined the new federation the following year.

Photo: TV BRICS