On the occasion of the 41st National Day of UAE, Dubai Customs launches today -Thursday- a number of different events at Dubai Customs main building, customs centres and Mirdif City Centre, tailored for families, particularly children. Celebrations which started November 26 will continue till December 2, 2012.
H.E Ahmed Butti Ahmed, the Executive Chairman of Ports, Customs and Free Zone and Director General of Dubai Customs, extends his warmest greetings and sincere congratulations to H.H Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, UAE President, H.H Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and Their Highnesses Members of the Supreme Council and Rulers of the Emirates.
He also congratulated the people of the UAE; citizens, residents and visitors of the country on this highly cherished occasion.
During the Dubai Customs’ celebrations of the National Day, H.E Ahmed Butti said:” We are overwhelmed with feelings of admiration and pride for the founding fathers as we celebrate the 41st anniversary of the union of the United Arab Emirates, an example of a compassionate country on solid footing. We are highly proud of what our young country has achieved on all levels under the umbrella of our wise leadership”.
Mr Butti recalled the memory of the founding fathers who paved the way to a future of prosperity and pride, which started with His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, his brother the late Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum and their loyal brothers.
He added that by virtue of this union, the UAE people’s will and the wise policy followed in the country, remarkable achievements came true in all fields for 41 years. This union positioned the Emiratis in an eminent rank worldwide.
He indicated that these achievements and chain of successes placed the UAE and its people ahead among the developed countries of the world.
He added:” Today, the UAE enjoys safety and security. The economy is stronger, more sustainable and diverse. More than 200 nationalities from around the world live on UAE soil, due to the safety and freedom climate and the healthy living environment. These gains were achieved by the union in four decades and are an incentive for each and every one of us to give more effort and cooperation, work with team-spirit and excel in performance to boost the country’s position and progress and to continue to be a land of safety, security, pride and prosperity.
Mr Butti pointed out that the UAE National Day is an occasion to be inspired by the noble values, beautiful meanings of devoted work and ambition in order to build a country that can achieve an affluent society for its children with a future vision that relies on solid foundations of good planning and utilization of world practices to realize sustainable development and cultural boom.
Dubai Customs inaugurated its celebrations this year by organising 3 lectures for employees on values of loyalty and belonging, motivation to work, and the history of the UAE at the main building, Cargo Village Customs Centre and Dubai International Airport.
The main building’s façade was adorned with the UAE flag and the official logo of the National Day celebrations “the Spirit of the Union”. During the main event, Dubai Police's Mounted Unit will make a show in front of employees and customs inspectors will perform a military parade.
At the entrance of the building, a miniature heritage village will be installed that will encompass folk kiosks that give an ample glimpse on the great past of the UAE. UAE popular food will be distributed and local handmade products and craft works displayed. Moreover, sweets will be handed out to travellers coming into the country through all Dubai International Airport terminals.
Dubai Customs celebrations of the National Day include a special pavilion at Mirdif City Center – Central Galleria, where the events will continue between November 29 till December 2 and will comprise of heritage village (a folklore band that will play from 10 am till 10 pm daily), Children Corner (face painting and gifts give-away from Dubai Customs), and the Maze game, which is a contest where participants need to answer questions about the national identity and other topics. Moreover, visitors to the Dubai Customs pavilion will be part of a photo-shoot contest, in which a daily winner will be announced for best expressions of joy of the National Day in a photo. Contest prizes are given away by Du, Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company. In addition, gifts will be handed out to the pavilion visitors everyday throughout the event.