Extended timings: Wednesday and Thursday, 29 – 30 December – from 4 pm until 1 am; Friday to Tuesday, 1 – 5 December – from 4 pm to 2 am.
Dubai, 25th November 2017: Global Village, the region’s first and largest multi-cultural festival park, announced today the celebrations, special events and highly anticipated cultural entertainment that it has planned to commemorate the 46th National Day of the UAE taking place in the period between the 1st and the 5th of December.
‘Belad Alkhair’ sings about the love of the homeland
The 46th National Day at Global Village will see the world premiere and epic performance of “Belad Alkhair”, which is one of the largest theater production in the history of the Global Village as an ode to the UAE National Day. The production is expected to create a memorable impact in the hearts of the people of the UAE.
Bader Anhawi, Chief Operating Officer, Global Village, said: “We wanted to present our production on the 46th anniversary of the Federation’s journey as a quality addition to this national occasion. We have taken the opportunity to use our capabilities to achieve the lofty goals behind the celebrations. The goodwill achieved by the Year of Giving initiative, announced by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, embodies the values of generosity that we are known for. It reflects the vision of our founders, based on our Arab and Islamic identity, and the approach established by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.”
“We are proud to be an Emirati brand that started with an Emirati thought to embody the different cultures that live in the UAE in harmony and reflect the message of giving and tolerance among different peoples,” he added.
‘Belad Alkhair’ – The largest musical production of its kind
The content of ‘Belad Alkhair’ spans six scenes that reflect the history of giving and goodness in the UAE. The play opens with a song about UAE traditions and continues as a poetry epic by Abdullah Saleh.
The scenes include sections representing the history of the UAE, where the artistes move between the traditional and the bright Emirati fashion, creating paintings that are enhanced by the visual and artistic influences and the decoration and lighting on stage. The scenes represent several heritage and national songs, including HOYAMAL (Song of the Sea), Beit Al Kabeer, AYALLAH, and Fakhrina Khalifa.
‘Belad AlKhair’ will take Global Village guests on a momentous journey through the history of the UAE, from a review of its fishing heritage, through the heritage buildings and architecture to the present day up to its renaissance and development. It depicts the great achievements of this country, its vision and its urban, scientific and cultural renaissance under the wise and rational leadership of the rulers of the UAE.
This epic theater production has been produced by Lighthouse Production Company. It is directed by Ali Al Khawar, its production designer is Obaid Ali and it is composed by Khalid Nasser. Lighthouse Production is one of the world’s most successful and renowned theater production companies in the region.
Abdullah Saleh, the Poet and Performer for Belad AlKhair says: “Writing for Belad AlKhair was indeed a great honour and the poetry reflects a true representation of how we see the pride of Emiratis in our country, embracing their history and roots, and the respect for all its people. The production theme was very important as this patriotic and National Day Production is very close to the hearts of all Emiratis.”
‘Belad AlKhair’ will be presented twice daily on the main cultural stage during 1st to 5th December.
Concert by Abdullah Bil Khair
As part of the National Day celebrations, Global Village guests will be regaled with a concert by Emirati artist Abdullah Bil Khair on Friday, 1st December 2017, at 9 pm, on its Main Cultural Stage.
Abdullah Al Khair follows a special approach and method in his performances. In his presentation of the popular heritage of the UAE, which he well knows, he is known for using characteristic UAE elements such as traditional clothes and performance with his stick while singing and a his trademark and constant smile.
The “Victory Project”
The “Victory Project” community initiative was launched by Global Village in October 2017. It has seen the participation of more than 15,000 students from more than 111 schools from all the Emirates that have painted and decorated more than 3,000 sculptures representing the theme of the victory of the United Arab Emirates and its people. They have created their own rendition of the UAE victory salute, which is done by raising the thumb, forefinger and the middle finger in a symbol of victory and love of the nation.
The “Victory Project” is a gesture to develop the artistic and technical skills of students and instill the principles and values of patriotism. Each sculpture was colored and decorated by a group of 5 students in ways and colors inspired by the values represented by the National Day celebrations of the United Arab Emirates.
Global Village collected the sculptures from the schools and evaluated them by a special jury to select the three most beautiful works of art. All the sculptures are presented at a special location at the Global Village, opposite the UAE Pavilion, from 1st to 30th December 2017.
The three winning works receive an award of AED 100,000 for the development of their arts department at the winning schools. Students that created the ten most beautiful sculptures will also receive a collection of Global Village Memorial Gifts.
Emirati Cultural Shows
Throughout the 46th National Day celebrations, popular Emirati performances will be organised throughout the day at the Global Village, including the “Al Ayala” show, in which performers will play drums, duffels, brass instruments and vocals. Groups will be roaming Global Village throughout operating hours and performing Emirati cultural shows such as Ayala, Yola, Harbiya and Razfa. They will also perform at the main cultural stage multiple times a day during National Celebration from 1st to 5th December 2017.
Shabiat Al Cartoon Live Show
Global Village guests will also meet with their beloved cartoon personalities such as Shambeh, Atouga, Afari, Bu Mhayer and Aboud from the popular series Shabiat Al Cartoon. They will perform on the main cultural stage and do multiple meet and greets during the 46th National Day celebrations from 1st to 5th December 2017.
Performances by these popular cartoon characters connects with the hearts of viewers not only through entertainment and comic elements, but also through the contemporary issues they touch upon. The framework of comedy highlights important topics that simulate the imagination of viewers.
Fireworks displays
On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 1st to 3rd December 2017, Global Village guests will enjoy extraordinary fireworks display, which will carry the colors of the UAE flag and reach a height of 200 meters.
The fireworks display will be accompanied by a variety of musical presentations as it lights up the skies with a delightful five-minute visual entertainment session.
Global Village Decorations and UAE Flags
Global Village will celebrate the 46th National Day with the most beautiful bouquet of dazzling lights and unusual designs to enhance its atmosphere of joy. Guests of the park will be greeted with Arabic coffee and dates. More than 25,000 flags will be distributed, and the park’s courtyards will be filled with more than 20,000 flags of the UAE. The lighting of the main cultural theater will be a special feature of the colors of the UAE flag on both sides of the stage. Balloon artists will welcome children at the entrance and present them with balloons in the colors of the UAE flag. Engraving artists will be on hand to create a special atmosphere for the National Day celebrations as well.
Parade of the World
On Monday, December 4, guests at Global Village will see the Parade of the World, which will showcase the cultures at the park with with more than 300 performers from tens of nationalities coming together and with special participation of multiple cultural Emirati groups.
Extended hours
Global Village is keen to give its guests a better chance to enjoy the atmosphere of the celebration of the UAE National Day by increasing daily working hours as follows:
– Wednesday and Thursday, 29 – 30 December – from 4 pm until 1 am
– Friday to Tuesday, 1 – 5 December – from 4 pm to 2 am.
All celebrations and events for UAE National Day activities at Global Village are included in the ticket price of AED 15.
