UAE invites people to send in their national anthem videos for December 2 celebrations

A British artist who designed the Rio Olympics closing ceremony will create a video montage to be aired on National Day

Afra Al Mansoori poses next to a Abu Dhabi’s Police band member during UAE’s National Day celebrations at Qasr Al Watan in 2019. Reem Mohammed/The National

Khayyala performance at UAE’s National Day celebrations at Qasr Al Watan in 2019. Reem Mohammed/The National

Abu Dhabi’s Police Band performs on UAE’s National Day celebrations at Qasr Al Watan. Reem Mohammed/The National

Abu Dhabi’s Police band at UAE’s National Day celebrations at Qasr Al Watan. Reem Mohammed/The National

Khayyala performance at UAE’s National Day celebrations at Qasr Al Watan. Reem Mohammed/The National

Abu Dhabi’s Police Band performs on UAE’s National Day celebrations at Qasr Al Watan. Reem Mohammed/The National

Abu Dhabi’s Police Band performs on UAE’s National Day celebrations at Qasr Al Watan. Reem Mohammed/The National

Spectators take photos of Al Fursan as they perform aerobatics above Abu Dhabi Corniche. Leslie Pableo for The National

Ali Al Mansoori performs during National Day celebrations at Qasr Al Watan. Reem Mohammed / The National

Families attend festivities at Mina Al Arab lagoon walk in Ras Al Khaimah. Ruba Haza / The National

An Emirati man performs tricks on a flyboard at the Sharjah Maritime Museum, as part of National Day festivities. Salam Al Amir / The National

Families attend festivities at Mina Al Arab lagoon walk in Ras Al Khaimah. Ruba Haza / The National

Men on jetskis, flyboards and waterskiing take part in National Day celebrations at Sharjah Maritime Museum. Salam Al Amir / The National

Visitors of Qasr Al Watan watch the Al Fursan airshow along Abu Dhabi corniche. Reem Mohammed / The National

People begin to join a parade along Abu Dhabi Corniche in their decorated cars. Leslie Pableo for The National

Decorated cars begin to join a parade along Abu Dhabi corniche, near the Breakwater. Leslie Pableo for The National

Families attend National Day celebrations along the Abu Dhabi Corniche. Leslie Pableo for The National

Children dress up for National Day celebrations at Abu Dhabi Corniche, Breakwater. Leslie Pableo for The National

Families attend National Day celebrations along the Abu Dhabi Corniche. Leslie Pableo for The National

The Sanchez and Calimag family spend National Day at Al Qudra lake. Reem Mohammed / The National

The Sanchez and Calimag family spend National Day at Al Qudra lake. Reem Mohammed / The National

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES. 2 DECEMBER 2019. Surannya Arun’s husband (in red), at Al Qudra lake with his family on UAE National Day. (Photo: Reem Mohammed/The National) Reporter: Section:

UAE Pajero Club set out to Al Qudra Lake on National Day for a day of camping and celebration. Reem Mohammed / The National

Members of the UAE Pajero Club spend National Day at Al Qudra Lake. Reem Mohammed / The National

Bashar Saad, right, spends National Day with the UAE Pajero Club at Al Qudra Lake. Reem Mohammed / The National

The UAE Pajero Club spend National Day at Al Qudra Lake. Reem Mohammed / The National

Citizens and residents are being invited to sing and record short clips of the national anthem to be included in a National Day video that will be aired on December 2.

A UAE Anthem Campaign is collecting the recordings.

“With Covid-19 restrictions on public celebrations, this mass performance of the national anthem provides an opportunity for people across the country to unite in song, providing solace through music in these trying times,” said Khalfan Al Mazrouei, a member of the organising committee of the official 49th UAE National Day celebration.

“This year, more than ever, is important for the community to come together as one voice in hope and positivity for the future.”

The grand celebration will be held remotely this year, organisers said on Monday.

The show, Seeds of the Union, will be held in Abu Dhabi but the exact location has not been revealed.

It will be broadcast live to “an audience of millions in the UAE and beyond, allowing the public to unite in celebration from the safety of their homes,” the committee said.

“The narrative of the show follows the growth of a seed into a shoot and finally into full bloom, artistically portraying the journey the UAE has taken over the past 49 years.

“[There will be] a moving sculpture surrounded by sea and illuminated by digital visuals portraying themes inspired by the UAE’s history and values.”

Es Devlin, a British artist who designed ceremonies for major global events, such as the London and Rio Olympics closing ceremonies, is the art director of the 49th National Day show.

Ms Devlin, who has a degree in UAE culture, toured the country to study aspects of its nature and culture that will be portrayed in the show.

“The elements of the show have been designed specifically to a virtual audience,” she said.

The theme of the show this year will be based on the mangrove tree and nature.

Mangroves are estimated to cover more than 150 square kilometres of the UAE's coastline.

“Mangrove forests support a high level of biodiversity. They are a great absorbent of carbon dioxide and release oxygen. They also protect the habitat for wildlife,” Ms Devlin said.

People can also submit their recordings via official social media channels (@OfficialUAEND) on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and use the hashtag #Eishy_Bilady.

More information can be found on the event’s official website: www.uaenationalday.ae