November 29, 2017, Red Theatre: Students, faculty and staff joined together in the Red Theatre to celebrate the 46th UAE National Day in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Khalifa Bin Mohammad Al Nahyan, the University’s Chancellor Mr. Buti Al Ghandi alongside Dr. Karim Chelli and a number of other high profile dignitaries from the community.
Following a welcome from the Masters of Ceremonies & the National Anthem, one minute of silence was observed for the Emirati martyrs & their sacrifices in service of the United Arab Emirates in the fields of civil, military and humanitarian service.
Dr. Rami el Khatib, Dean of Student Affairs proceeded to give his opening remarks welcoming the audience and stressing the importance of upholding the country’s values of kindness, tolerance, openness, innovation and service to country and one another. This was followed by an official address from Mr. Shadi Turke Al Bataina, on behalf of HH Sheikh Mohamed Bin Khalifa Bin Mohammad Al Nahyan.
As the celebrations continued, the audience was treated to a presentation from Stephanie Goudi on the importance of the Arabian horse in the UAE’s culture and the influence it holds in terms of culture and history. Stephanie also shared her experience in employing equestrian activities to assist in delivering therapy for children with special needs
This was followed by a video presentation created by Stephane Chabas, the University’s Audio Visual Director in which a number of interviews with staff, faculty and students during which they were asked to relay their personal experiences of living, working and studying in the UAE and what this has meant to them.
Omar Al Rishane recited one of his poems extolling the virtues of the country and his impressions of life here which was then followed by a speech from Shatha Al Zarouni on what living in the UAE meant to her.
Next was a musical item where Momen Lotfi El Sayed performed a song written by Dr. Franziska Apprich, Assistant Professor and Head of Learning Zones and Incubation at Canadian University Dubai entitled “You Are the Emirates”.
The final item was performed by students from the GEMS School Choir, accompanied on piano by Olivia Shields and conducted by Danielle Boylan.
At the end of the event, those present were invited to continue the celebrations outdoors where the festivities would continue with Emirati style refreshments were served featuring dishes common to the UAE.
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