Exploring the UAE’s Rich Heritage: Highlights from the 54th Eid Al Etihad Celebration
This past Tuesday marked a spectacular celebration of the UAE’s 54th Eid Al Etihad, transforming the newly opened Zayed National Museum into a mesmerizing stage where history, art, and national identity intertwined. With President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and other dignitaries in attendance, the ceremony offered a captivating narrative of the nation’s journey through time.
The event creatively utilized three guiding voices: the land, the people, and the ever-present influence of radio. It began with the iconic sound of footsteps on sand, accompanied by the tones of an engine. Archival footage showcased the UAE’s Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, navigating the desert in a 1966 Chrysler Newport. This rare vintage model, restored and on display in the museum, symbolizes the legacy of leadership and vision that Sheikh Zayed embodied.
Drawing the audience further into the narrative, the ceremony acted as a time machine, whisking attendees back more than 8,000 years to Marawah Island—where the oldest natural pearl was retrieved—demonstrating the critical role pearling and trade played in early Emirati life. Following this, scenes of the ancient industrial center at Saruq Al Hadid depicted skilled craftsmen shaping swords and jewelry under the Al Jabbar constellation, hinting at the rich trade routes established long ago.
As the journey progressed, the focus shifted to the emergence of the Abiel coin, a remarkable symbol of economic life that bore a horse instead of traditional Hellenistic imagery. This highlighted the region’s unique governance and adaptability, emphasizing a history rich with female leadership.
From there, the tale turned to navigation, spotlighting Ahmed Ibn Majid, a legendary navigator who crafted new maritime routes using traditional star-reading techniques. This exploration connected seamlessly with the defining moment of modern Emirati history: the unification of the seven emirates. The nostalgia in the air thickened as the announcement made over the radio 54 years ago came to life, marking the historic birth of the Union.
As celebrations progressed, the national anthem “Ishy Bilady” performed by the UAE National Orchestra brought the present-day UAE to the forefront. The event not only honored the nation’s roots but also looked ahead towards future aspirations in areas like clean energy and space exploration—symbolized dramatically by a Mirage 2000-9 flying overhead.
The emotional highlight was the sight of Sheikh Zayed’s Chrysler Newport being driven into the museum—a powerful representation of the continuity of his visionary ideals across the ages. The ceremony concluded on a touching note, with the children of the nation singing a moving anthem that echoed the message that “the legacy of Sheikh Zayed lives on in every generation.”
The Zayed National Museum is set to open its doors to the public on December 3, inviting everyone to explore this rich tapestry of the UAE’s vibrant history and future aspirations.
If you’re eager to learn more about the UAE’s captivating heritage and how it shapes today’s identity, consider connecting with us at Pro21st for more insightful content and resources.
