Dubai Customs’ Director General with the department’s staff in the National Day.
Dubai Customs held a big ceremony at its headquarters on Wednesday morning, November 30th, 2011 to commemorate the UAE’s 40th National Day. Entitled “the Spirit of the Union”, this year’s celebrations reassure the marvelous achievements made throughout the past 4 decades. During the ceremony, Dubai Customs showcased “the Spirit of the Union” Photo Collage Puzzle which brings together a number of photos taken by the UAE’s nationals and residents to express their joy in this lovely occasion.
The ceremony, which was attended by hundreds of Dubai Customs staff and headed by H.E. Ahmed Butti Ahmed, Executive Chairman of Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, Dubai Customs Director General, included the Dubai Customs inspectors’ march on the tunes of the national anthem, and raising the flag.
In the speech he delivered on this occasion, H.E. Ahmed Butti stressed that the union has reserved a prestigious and prominent spot for the UAE on the world map due to the great achievements made in such short time, turning disarray into unity, poverty to richness and challenges to great opportunities. He said that this success has secured a prominent position for the UAE among the developed countries with its advanced infrastructure for health, education, transport and communication that help keep pace with the growing needs. “Our economy has become more sustainable and synthesized as it relies on diversification and employing all capabilities and potentials, all of which are elements that secured a prominent position for our country in the international events thanks to the wise and balanced politics taken. Not to mention, the UAE is always there to lend a hand and provide aid for other nations across the world in dire times” he said.
Dubai Customs’ inspectors hoisting the 40th National Day emblem.
“Today, we celebrate the 40th anniversary of founding our country under the slogan “the Spirit of the Union” looking forward towards a brighter future while implementing the UAE’s vision 2021; the strategic document laid down by HH Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE’s President and HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE’s Vice-President and Prime Minister, Ruler of Dubai as well as the members of the Supreme Council; the Rulers of the UAE (may God protect them all) which aims to position the UAE among the top countries by the year 2021 with competitive economy which is based on innovation and knowledge and a high quality life in a sustainable environment” he added.
He requested making further consolidated efforts, cooperation, hard work, devotion and persistence from the employees, each one in his/her position working together to reinforce the UAE’s status with performance excellence, quality service standards, innovation and creativity. He concluded:“ The Spirit of the Union” flag put up by our ancestors and carried by the descendants is still soaring high proving that the UAE will continue to be a secure, safe, luxurious and prosperous land. Our country’s future will remain like its past and present, full of achievements in line with a clear vision and a solid will standing still against all challenges, and hopefully our union will continue to take the lead in accomplishing the impossible.
Names of internal departments and customs centers who won the best “decoration for the national day” were announced during the celebration. The contest witnessed a strong competition between different staffs in decorating their offices and places with national emblems and pictures to express their joy over the 40th anniversary of the union. Customs declaration department, client management department, and HE Director General’s office won the first three places in the competition at the departmental level. As for the external customs centers level, the title went to Jebel Ali Customs Centers, Dubai International Airport, terminal 1, and Abu Hail Post Office. HE Dubai Customs Director General gave certificates of merit to directors of these departments.
Part of Dubai Customs inspectors’ show.
The ceremony signed off with “Al Nahama” show; a group of traditional singers who used to sing zestful chants during diving and hunting trips, a bid that will help Emiratis recall their glorious history when the sea used to be their major livelihood.
Moreover, Dubai Customs held a closing ceremony in its pavilion at Mirdif City Centre to celebrate the UAE’s 40th National Day on Wednesday evening. During this function, Dubai Customs revealed “the Spirit of the Union” Photo Puzzle Collage which is made of five thousand assembled photos submitted by dozens of the UAE’s locals and residents in a photography contest launched earlier in November as part of the Department’s National Day celebrations agenda. The contest mandated that the pictures contain the UAE’s flag with its four original colors. During the ceremony, the last piece in the puzzle was put. It portrayed late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and late Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, with the UAE’s flag depicted in the background.
The “Nahhama” ( local fishermen ) singing their traditional enthusing songs.
Peter Walichnowski, Chief Executive Officer of Majid Al Futtaim Properties, said: “The 40th UAE National Day is a special occasion for us all and Mirdif City Centre was delighted to have the opportunity to work with Dubai Customs and UAE Photography Society to produce this wonderful event. Today is about celebrating the past accomplishments and future potential of the UAE and Dubai Customs has done an excellent job achieving just that”.