HCT shows national spirit with Union Tree Initiative ceremonies at 17 colleges

At the HCT-Dubai Men's College campus H.E. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister for Higher Education and Scientific Research and Chancellor of the Higher Colleges of Technology planted a ceremonial tree after he inaugurated the 1st Biennial Curriculum Conference and Curriculum Institute.

The tree planting ceremony with H.E. Sheikh Nahayan's was televised live to all HCT campuses and, at the same time at other HCT campuses from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah, commemorative trees were planted as a sign of the HCT's celebration of national spirit for the forthcoming 41st UAE National Day.

The Union Tree Initiative is an initiative of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and already it has seen tens of thousands of trees being planted across the nation since being launched on November 15, 2012, as part of the National Day celebrations.

H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Initiative as a symbol of unity, peace, stability and freedom for the UAE. It is also aimed at consolidating the spirit of unionism, love and loyalty for the country.

"God Almighty has blessed us with plenty of gifts thanks to the 'Union Tree', which has united all parts of the homeland under its umbrella and which became a vivid witness for all generations of all of the achievements in the country in every field. Today, our duty is to build our country with determination and hard work," H.H. Sheikh Mohammed said during the Union Tree Initiative launch.

"I hope that this event of planting a tree with the name 'The Union Tree' will prompt you to take care of and preserve it and will also educate our generation to keep our union intact," H.H. Sheikh Mohammed added.

Dr. Tayeb Kamali, Vice Chancellor of the Higher Colleges of Technology, described the simultaneous tree planting ceremonies as "deeply proud" occasions for the Higher Colleges' students, faculty and staff.

"The Higher Colleges of Technology are very much part of the UAE community, having over 18,000 current students and 55,000 alumni spread throughout all parts of our nation, so for all our colleges to participate in the commemorative Union Tree Initiative is a very special occasion for us all," Dr. Kamali said.

As part of the 41st UAE National Day celebrations all 17 colleges of the Higher Colleges of Technology will, this week, host a wide variety of events and celebrations at their campuses including traditional food, arts & craft displays, poetry competitions, performances, campus tours and a host of interesting and captivating competitions; all of which demonstrate the HCT's passion and commitment for UAE National Day.