Fireworks extravaganza to mark national day celebrations

The skies above Abu Dhabi city and Madinat Zayed in the emirate’s Western Region (Al Gharbia) will burst into a majestic canvas of patriotic colour this weekend, as a series of breathtaking, night time fireworks displays mark the UAE’s 41st National Day. Choreographed by WRG Creative Communications and Groupe F, the leading international event management agency, the co-ordinated shows along Abu Dhabi city’s Corniche beachfront and at Madinat Zayed Cultural Centre in Al Gharbia will see more than 17,000 fireworks, or ‘shots’, fly skywards from a collection of boats, barges and on-land stations. With some shots reaching 150-metres in height, a seven-minute show featuring comets, tails, volcanoes and shells will kick-start proceedings on the Corniche on December 1, before synchronised 10-minute shows - extending to a staggering 600-metres in length - wow National Day crowds numbering in the tens of thousands at 8.30pm at Madinat Zayed and the Corniche. ‘National Day is a celebration for everyone in the UAE so it made sense for us to spread our fireworks displays across the emirate,’ said Sultan Al Muhairi, General Co-ordinator of 41st National Day Celebrations, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi). ‘Everyone loves fireworks and these tremendous shows will light up the sky in a sea of white, red and green and let everyone – nationals and expatriates alike – celebrate the spirit of the union.’ All the weekend’s displays are set to an original song - ‘Ya Khalifatna’ (Our Khalifa) - inspired by the classic UAE song, ‘Zanaha Zayed’ – a 1996 hit written by renowned Emirati poet Arif Al Khaja. The new track, which has been commissioned by twofour54 in partnership with TCA Abu Dhabi marries sections from Al Khaja’s much-adored original with extracts from last year’s National Day song ‘Amrek Al Sami’ – another Al Khaja hit. The combined lyrics tell the story of how His Highness Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the country’s founding father and first President, beautified the fledgling UAE nation and how His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, is extending his father’s legacy. With other headline National Day events due to be revealed in coming days, a wide array of themed celebrations and activities will keep children and adults of all ages entertained over the extended holiday weekend. The breakwater opposite Abu Dhabi Corniche and next to Marina Mall will be one of the key activation areas and will feature Emirati theatre shows at Abu Dhabi Theatre (November 26, 28, 30 and December 2), a two-day Sailing Regetta (December 2-3) and a one-off Cultural Festival at the Abu Dhabi Heritage Village on National Day.