The countdown to the UAE’s Golden Jubilee gets underway

The UAE is this year celebrating the Golden Jubilee of its creation on 2 December 1971, when six of the emirates – Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Sharjah and Umm Al Quwain – approved the Act of Union to form the United Arab Emirates. The seventh emirate, Ras al-Khaimah, joined a few weeks later in January 1972.

The official 50th UAE National Day event will take place on 2 December but to build up to the Golden Jubilee, a 50-day countdown to National Day was begun on 13 October. This initiative, titled ‘50 days to 50’, invites everyone who calls the UAE home to start celebrating through a series of activities posted daily on the official UAE National Day social media platforms @OfficialUAEND

“With over 200 nationalities living in the UAE, we invite everyone who calls the UAE home to celebrate by learning more about the traditions and rituals that make our nation and participate in our daily activities in the lead-up to the official National Day ceremony,” said Shaikha Al Ketbi, head of creative strategy of the Year of the 50th.

These activities include visiting attractions, discovering hidden gems around the country, and learning and singing the UAE’s national anthem. Residents will also be asked to submit photographs of different UAE locations that are meaningful to them and join in the celebrations leading up to the National Day with their friends and family. The public are encouraged to participate and share their experiences with others using the hashtag #50celebrations.

“In 50 days, our beloved country will celebrate its 50th UAE National Day. We approach this historic milestone with pride in our country’s achievements, gratitude to all contributors to the building of the nation, and shared optimism for the promising future that lies ahead of us,” said Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.