Mohammed approves 40th National Day programme

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, emphasised that the celebrations marking the 40th National Day of UAE will reflect on the history of the birth of our country and its evolution as a modern and progressive nation over the last four decades.

It will be a celebration of the achievements of this great nation and also an opportunity for the whole community to truly unite and reflect on what it means to be Emirati, or call the UAE our home, Sheikh Mohammed said ratifying the strategy and programme for the celebrations of the 40th National Day.

"Through these celebrations we hope to recognise achievements of the past and the present, commend the people who have influenced the nation, reignite the ties that bind us together and to reconnect with the communities in which we live. Together we have the unique opportunity to contribute to the evolving narrative of the UAE and to unite in celebration across this great nation," stressed Sheikh Mohammed at the special ceremony held for ratifying the programme.

He added that the UAE, led by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has entered a new chapter in the history of the nation. This is embodied through the ongoing growth and prosperity of the state, the empowerment of residents and most importantly the wisdom of Sheikh Khalifa and his proximity to the people's pulse. It is this grass-roots knowledge and mentality which has ensured internal stability, stable economic development and secured a prominent position on the global landscape for the UAE.

In recognition of the UAE's 40th year as a modern and progressive nation the 40-day programme of celebrations, which will commence on October 24th, will fall under the theme Spirit of the Union. This unified spirit is derived from the vision and legacy of the Late Sheikh Zayed, who bestowed on the community a passion for the environment, the gift of education, and above all the passion to continue to progress and modernise the nation.

During the ceremony, which was held in the presence of Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority and Chairman of the Higher Committee for National Day celebrations, he stressed that it was vital to unify efforts and co-ordinate an exceptional national program of celebrations for this auspicious occasion.

"Under the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan these celebrations will be an all-encompassing commemoration, uniting citizens and residents to recognise and celebrate the nation's achievements, rich heritage, multicultural society and to look to the future with pride and confidence," Sheikh Mohammed stressed.

He also unveiled the brand identity, launched the official corporate website of UAE National Day, unveiled details of the comprehensive event line-up and encouraged the community as a whole to contribute and engage in this year's celebrations.

In honor of the late Sheikh Zayed, who contributed vigorously and faithfully to the building of the federation, and whose spirit remains infused in all aspects of the nation's life and heritage, the 'Spirit of the Union', will underline the UAE 40th National Day Programme. In line with this, the Spirit of the Union is formed by the four pillars; the spirit of the Late Sheikh Zayed, the cosmopolitan community of the UAE, the history and journey of the Federation, and the innovation and modernity of our future.

Inspiration for the 40th National Day logo was also revealed. An image of unity from the 2nd of December 1971, on the first congregation of the founding fathers, was used as the basis of the creative design. The logotype carries a silhouette of the iconic image between the founding fathers of the United Arab Emirates, led by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

The official UAE 40th National Day website -www.uaenationalday.ae - was also launched by Sheikh Mohammed during the ceremony. This digital portal will include a full breakdown of calendar events throughout the Emirates, registration details for key activities, partnership application details, background and historical information to educate users, as well as news and real time updates. The dynamic website will serve as an informative tool to engage the community, providing fun and interesting ways to get involved in the celebrations and capture memories.

Also present were Cabinet Affairs Minister Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Affairs Abdul Rahman Al Oweis and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) Ahmed Juma Al Za'abi, Director General of the Government of Dubai Media Office Ahmed Abdullah Al Shaikh, Dubai Director of Protocol and Hospitality Khalifa Saeed Suleiman.

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