Dance, art and jazz top the National Day celebrations in Umm Al Quwain

Traditional dancing and dishes were served up alongside music, art and a theatre performance at UAQ's National Day celebrations.

The Cottas Club Jazz Band of Portugal performs at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Development Authority premises on the occasion of the 42nd UAE National Day. Jeffrey E Biteng / The National

Emiratis of all ages joined expatriates and tourists to celebrate the eve of National Day in Umm Al Quwain.

Hundreds of people joined in the festivities as traditional and modern life was celebrated.

Most of the festivities were at the cultural centre of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Community Development, which is organising UAQ’s anniversary events.

Traditional dancing and dishes were served up with music, art and a theatre performance.

“This is about people coming together in happiness,” said Hamad bin Bisher, head of the Umm Al Quwain Traditional Society, whichorganised the dancing.

“This dance can be seen at all celebrations, like at weddings and during Eid, but it is important in National Day as well.

“We want people on this day to be happy and to be together. We want people of the new generation to see how things used to be and to keep these traditions in mind.”

A passion for tradition seems to run in the family. Mr bin Bisher’s nephew, Ahmed Al Hasawi, was keen to tell visitors about UAQ’s progression over the past 42 years.

He has spent years putting together a display of antiques and traditional items, including the UAE’s first currency, military uniforms and even some of the first passports issued in UAQ.

“Everybody wants to share in the celebrations here,” he said. “My collection has many of the things that have changed over the years.

“Sometimes I have bought items, but most of the time people give them to me because they know I am interested in these things. It is a passion and a hobby of mine.”

His exhibition is open throughout the festivities and free to visit.

“National Day celebrations have been taking place since November 27, when we started to visit patients in the local hospitals and give them gifts,” said Anna Qanzool, deputy manager of the Cultural Centre.

“Now people are coming to the centre to be together and share some of the traditions, like cooking and dancing.

“National Day really is a celebration for us.”

There was also an international flavour at the event in the form of a jazz group from Portugal.

The Cottas Club Jazz Band got toes tapping as they paraded around the grounds of the Cultural Centre.

“It is actually the fourth year we have been here performing for National Day,” said Mario Numes, the band leader.

“We always love participating in National Day, we get to share aspects of our culture with those here. There is such a great family atmosphere here and we love that.”

The light-hearted and energetic team of 12 musicians were a hit with children, who posed for photographs and danced with them.

“It is not traditional music to the UAE, of course there is a bit of a culture shock,” Numes said.

“But it is about sharing in a celebration and coming together and being happy and we always make some good friends. That’s what this is about.”

The gathering also featured a bazaar, with local women bringing handmade goods to sell, such as perfumes, home cooking and clothes.

Exotic and rare birds were also on sale from a newly opened company, Fay3.

“This is a big chance for me to build my business and brand,” said Mohammed Al Keerbali, who owns the firm.

“For National Day we like to come together and it is a great place to meet together.”

As with any gathering, police were on hand to ensure the smooth running of proceedings.

“This is a special day for all people living in the UAE and we want to make sure everyone in Umm Al Quwain can safely enjoy the celebration,” said Col Saeed Obaid Saif.

The cultural centre was also hosting a youth theatre performance on Sunday by a UAE director, Marai Al Halyan.

Other events taking place across Umm Al Quwain on Sunday included children’s’ activities and a car parade.