A Nation United: Highlights from UAE National Day 2024

‍

‍

Honouring Unity and Legacy

On December 2, the UAE celebrated its 53rd National Day, a tribute to the unification of the seven Emirates under the visionary leadership of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. This historic milestone in 1971 heralded the establishment of a single nation, which was later joined by Ras Al Khaimah in 1972. The festival, known as the Spirit of the Union, has since become a symbol of Emirati identity, heritage, and pride.

‍

Celebrations Across the Nation

The Emirates became a swirl of red, white, black, and green as national flags covered homes, streets, and monuments. From brilliant parades along waterfronts to intricate sand sculptures on beaches, every Emirate was alive with celebratory energy. Families, friends, neighbours, and expatriates gathered to celebrate through music, dance, and reflection on the country's lasting impact.

‍

The formal celebration in Abu Dhabi's Zayed Sports City Stadium was a breathtaking theatrical spectacle that included aerobatics, inspiring performances, and moving speeches, all of which echoed the UAE's attitude of perseverance and solidarity. Meanwhile, fireworks lit up the skies over prominent structures such as the Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab, stunning onlookers.

‍

Memorable Moments in Each Emirate

Dubai dazzled with LED light shows on the Burj Khalifa and enthralling performances at the Dubai Fountain, while Abu Dhabi provided a mix of heritage and contemporary celebrations at Yas Marina Circuit, which included fireworks, live music, and family-friendly activities.

‍

This year's UAE National Day was a beautiful tribute to a nation united in its cultural diversity and shared ambitions, whether you celebrated at Global Village, watched the fireworks at the Burj Al Arab, or enjoyed Abu Dhabi's Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort.

‍

UAE in 2024 and Beyond: A Global Leader in Innovation, Progress, Empowerment

In 2024, the UAE achieved significant milestones in governance, legislation, space, housing, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and sustainability, cementing its global position as a progressive and innovative leader.

‍

In terms of governance, a Cabinet reshuffle appointed prominent figures such as H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan as Deputy Prime Minister in addition to his role as Foreign Minister. New cabinet positions, such as Minister of Sport and Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, were also created.

‍

A number of legislative developments were updated, such as the establishment of the "International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council," new legislation pertaining to road safety and traffic, and rules pertaining to infectious diseases. Important legislation pertaining to labour relations, terrorism financing, and money laundering were revised.

‍

A number of innovative programs were implemented to improve the country's capacities. These included the National Investment Strategy 2031, the Young Government Leaders Program, and the Reyada Fund, which supports entrepreneurs and recent graduates. In addition to a government efficiency program aimed at streamlining procedures and enhancing service delivery, the "Plant the Emirates" initiative was started to promote agricultural development.

‍

With the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant's four reactors now fully operational, new water management programs, and the creation of a terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport that can accommodate 260 million passengers a year, infrastructure improvements accelerated. The extension of the Dubai Exhibition Centre and a rainwater drainage project were two significant developments in Dubai. While Umm Al Qaiwain launched one of the largest reverse osmosis desalination plants in the world and revealed plans for a logistics city and cargo-focused airport, Sharjah presented a desalination project in collaboration with Saudi Arabia's ACWA Power.

‍

With 90,000 recipients of federal housing programs since 1999, worth AED60 billion, the homeownership rate among Emirati people has reached 91%. The "Manzili" bundle was created to improve citizen services by bringing together 24 government agencies. Nearly 9,000 Abu Dhabi residents benefited from AED13.216 billion in housing assistance, Dubai distributed AED5.5 billion worth of residential plots and dwellings, while Sharjah unveiled new housing projects.

‍

By becoming a member of NASA's Lunar Gateway Station and launching the first Emirati astronaut into lunar orbit, the UAE furthered its space goals. The nation also started the Satgate project, took part in NASA's HERA mission, and proceeded with MBZ-SAT preparations. The "Supreme Space Council" was established, which improved its standing in space exploration.

‍

The UAE's seventh-place worldwide and first-place regional rankings in the UNDP Gender Inequality Index 2024 demonstrated its dedication to women's empowerment. Women now make up half of the Federal National Council seats, one-third of cabinet positions, 70% of university graduates, 46% of the workforce, and 68% of public sector jobs.

‍