Under the Patronage of His Highness Sheikh Saeed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the American University in Dubai (AUD) celebrated the 38th Anniversary of the UAE National Day in the University’s premises. The event, dubbed, “UAE National Night at AUD,” and organized by AUD’s Khaleeji Cultural Club, raised proceeds that went to Dubai Cares. The celebration manifested a festival of cultural and artistic displays and performances that received a standing ovation by the audience.

Present at the event were Dr. Lance de Masi, President of AUD, Mr. Elias Bou Saab, AUD’s Executive Vice President, Dr. Jihad Nader, AUD’s Provost and Chief Academic Officer, alongside other members of the University’s faculty and staff bodies, and prominent social figures from the local community, all joining the student body in its tribute to its beloved UAE. Students from various schools and universities across the UAE and friends and families joined in the festivities.

Abdullah Al Gergawi, President of the Khaleeji Cultural Club at AUD, emphasized the indispensability of the sense of “nationalism” among the youth stating:

“The UAE National Day is a celebration of the country’s norms and heritage. It sheds lights on the young local talents and inspires the youth to become fervent advocates of community service and volunteer work.” He added, “The event is but a customized information packet for expatriates to educate them on the country’s customs and traditions.”

As a token of appreciation and gratitude to the accomplishments of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, the AUD Khaleeji Club placed a huge board in the University’s Administration Building portraying the "signatures of appreciation" by the University’s students and faculty and Administrative bodies, to be presented, with great privilege, honor and a sense of patriotism, as per the terms engraved on it, to His Highness in celebration of this occasion.

Stressing on the students’ heartfelt emotions for celebrating such occasion, Mrs. Unaiza Goplani, Student Activities Coordinator at AUD, comments:

“The University takes pride in the Khaleeji Cultural Club for their tremendous effort in preparing and organizing this wonderful event. The UAE National Night is a very dear event to the hearts of our students, and we are all delighted to host such a celebration which brings into the light the true colors and richness of the UAE heritage.”

The event’s scenery was ornamented by photographs representing the rich historical fabric and traditions of the UAE. Visitors were greeted with a UAE Majlis surrounded by live traditional cooking stations serving local cuisine, while being entertained by UAE folklore performers. In addition, traditional art crafts by local artists were put on display highlighting the potency of the local talent.

Fun elements were presented in the heritage village where scenes of the Emirati traditional facet were depicted through several activities such as the "local souq," "falcon shows" and the "camel rides" that composed a historical account of the heritage of the UAE and paved the way for the participants to experience the country’s genuine identity.

The Khaleeji Cultural Club at AUD was set up in 2002 to unite the students from the GCC countries with the purpose of introducing the AUD community to the region’s culture, values and traditions.