Abu Dhabi, UAE: The sound of traditional drumbeats filled the air, while groups of children decked up in their finest clothes walked from stall to stall. On a raised platform, a number of choreographed performances held the attention of visitors.
These colourful celebrations by public and private schools across the emirate of Abu Dhabi were held in the capital on Thursday to mark the UAE’s upcoming 42nd National Day on December 2. Organised by the Abu Dhabi Education Council, it included various traditional activities and performances designed to raise awareness about the UAE’s culture and values.
“This is one of my favourite times of the year because it is so festive. I love dressing up in pretty clothes, applying henna and visiting my family members. And then we have these fun school celebrations,” Shaikha Al Rumaithi, an eight-year-old Emirati pupil at the International School of Choueifat, told Gulf News. She was wearing a gown and jewellery in the colours of the UAE flag.
“Today’s fair has been very enjoyable. I especially like watching the traditional Al Yolah dance (an Emirati dance where men use sticks to re-enact battle scenes and women dance by swinging their long hair), and have even been practicing it myself with my sisters,” she added.
Visitors also had a glimpse of Emirati heritage, which was displayed in seven pavilions across the grounds. Each pavilion was set up by three different schools, and included models of the UAE’s monuments and natural resources.
“As part of a field trip, we recently visited the islands along the Umm Al Quwain coast, which have been designated as sanctuaries for the wildlife on them, such as foxes, birds and rare turtles. It is important that these animals are protected to preserve the legacy of our country for future generations,” said Hamad Al Darmaki, an Emirati seventh grader at the National Union Private School in Al Ain.
“So we have set up a model of some of the islands, and displayed the pictures of our trip to show the richness of these islands to others,” he added.
But it was not just Emirati pupils who participated in the National Day merriment and awareness efforts.
Enas Abdul Atiq, a tenth grade Egyptian pupil at Ashbal Al Quds School, urged attendees to preserve the precious mangrove trees along the UAE’s shoreline.
“These trees are being destroyed by marine pollution, as plastic debris in the water block their aerial roots. So do not throw bottles and trash into the water, and learn more about these wondrous plants,” she said.
Other activities at the fair included henna art, storytelling, quizzes about the UAE, poetry recitals and dances.
Teachers accompanying classes of pupils said that in addition to the festivities on Thursday, other activities are planned across school premises on December 2.
“These initiatives promote children’s awareness of our culture, and create in them a fondness for our values. This is why they are so important,” said Khawlah Al Zaabi, an Emirati public school leader.
© Gulf News
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