The 54th Eid Al Etihad ceremony was a captivating journey through time at the Zayed National Museum, where the UAE President and the Rulers of the seven emirates gathered on December 2. This historic event, the first at the newly completed national landmark, set the stage for the museum’s public debut on December 3.
Centered around a profound message, the event emphasized that the UAE’s history extends back thousands of years, encompassing the land, sea, and sky. This narrative is the essence of Zayed National Museum, which will serve as the enduring home for the nation’s history.
The land itself narrated the event, with radio broadcasts and voices guiding the audience through the UAE’s evolution. The scenes depicted how communities thrived and connected long before the Union, culminating in the formation of the seven emirates and the modern nation we know today.
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The opening scene featured the late Sheikh Zayed traversing the desert in 1968. His voice serenaded the land with ‘Y Marhba ya Zain,’ meaning “hello beautiful.” The land hailed him as a hero, answering his call. Footage showed him in a 1966 Chrysler Newport, a car that has been meticulously restored and now resides in the museum’s collection.
The show brought history to life with movement, light, projection, and live performances. Large-scale visuals, dancers, and chants transitioned the narrative across timelines. Above Abu Dhabi, drone formations recreated symbols from different historical periods, showcasing key artifacts from the museum’s collection.
The performance highlighted ancient discoveries, such as the 8,000-year-old Abu Dhabi Pearl and Saruq Al Hadid’s 3,000-year-old metal industries. It also mentioned carnelian beads and early coins, all depicted through visuals and drones, offering a seamless historical journey.
The narrative then moved to the Union’s formation, featuring archival footage of Sheikh Zayed meeting the Rulers of the other emirates. The UAE flag’s first raising was depicted with sound and images, echoing the original 1971 broadcast.
The UAE National Orchestra debuted, playing the national anthem, ‘Ishy Biladi,’ marking a cultural milestone by uniting Emirati and international musicians.
Subsequent segments showcased post-union progress in sustainability, nuclear energy, medical research, and space exploration. The scene concluded with a Mirage 2000-9 jet symbolizing the ambition for space exploration.
The museum itself, designed by Foster + Partners, with a falcon wing-inspired architecture, became a narrative focal point. All artifacts featured in the ceremony, including the Chrysler, are part of the museum’s collection.
The ceremony ended with children singing about unity, responsibility, and pride, conveying that Sheikh Zayed’s legacy continues through future generations shaping the UAE’s future.
