41st UAE National Day celebrations witnessed remarkable participation by Abu Dhabi school students

The open day event, organized by Abu Dhabi Education Council at Al-Forsan International Sports Resort to commemorate the UAE's 41st National Day, under the slogan 'Educated Generations Celebrating the Union', witnessed remarkable participation by students, parents and the community.

The event, which included Cultural & heritage performances, poetry, art, and exhibitions, was attended by thousands of participants.

Mr. Al Bawardi was accompanied by H.E. Dr. Mugheer Al Khaili, ADEC Director General; H.E. Khaldoun Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority, Member of the Executive Council; H.E. Major General Obaid Al Hairi Salem Al Ketbi, Deputy General Commander of Abu Dhabi Police and member of the Executive Council, H.E. Dr. Jamal Sanad Al-Suwaidi, Director General of the ECSSR and many more senior delegates.

In a statement about ADEC's open day event, Mr. Al Bawardi, said, "The education sector across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi is witnessing huge accomplishments thanks to the prudent leadership of our wise leaders, H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his brother's HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed as well as all other UAE rulers who all took part in encouraging our youth to take part in a globally diversified economy with its different sectors."

He added, "Today and on the occasion of the UAE's 41st National Day, we witness more and more dedication and achievement for the UAE."

During his tour across the different schools exhibiting their artworks in the event, H.E. commented on the hard work and dedication portrayed in some of the artwork displayed in the various tents that day.

"The event demonstrations the strong national identity among students, and their dedication towards the UAE. It's quiet obvious that everyone who took part in the event worked very hard to make it a success," he concluded.

Dr. Al-Khaili said, "Students have spontaneously expressed their loyalty to the UAE and its prudent leadership." "Visitors highly commended students' passionate performances and activities which reflected their true love to their beloved country", added Al-Khaili.

ADEC's DG also emphasized the role of schools in enhancing the national identity, values and traditions among students.

Ms Hanan Al-Sahlawi, ADEC Strategic Communication & Media Division Manager, said, "Celebrating this glorious event comes in line with ADEC strategy to enhance national identity among students and reflects the keenness of parents to encourage their children to show their love to UAE in such historical occasion."

"Social networking visitors expressed their love & loyalty towards UAE prudent leadership through a Hashtag on twitter which emphasized their gratitude to the UAE Union and its pivotal role in supporting education," added Al-Sahlawi.

The ceremony started with playing the UAE national anthem followed by a poetry recited by Mariam bint Musaa Al-Ameri, an Emirati National School student. Students of Abdul Qader Al-Jazaeri, Al-Murooj and Al-Mawaheb schools performed a number of national songs and activities.

A song named 'Educated Generations', written by Ali Al-Khawar, the famous UAE poet and composed by Fayez Al-Saeed the well-known Emirati singer and composer was performed by Abu Dhabi school students. Al-Marfaa common school and Al-Dar Academy students performed national operetta. Meanwhile, a soccer match in which a number of well-known soccer players participated, took place.

The open Day also included an art exhibition, in which group of students and a number of well-known artists participated. 'Education over Time Exhibition', presented the story of education in UAE over the past decades through old and new portraits.

During the event, visitors were able to sign the electronic loyalty document presented to His Highness President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan. A number of public & community entities have participated in the event such as Emirates Foundation for Youth Development, Department of Municipal Affairs, Abu Dhabi Municipality, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Society Development, The Environment Authority-Abu Dhabi, Emirates Heritage Club, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Health Authority-Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Police GHQ, General Directorate of Civil Defense and Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority.