Spectacular visuals, live camels, and an unforgettable Harbiya Bedouin dance performance—this year's Eid Al Etihad program captivated audiences as it guided them through the journey of the UAE. The grand-scale stage show, featuring thousands of participants, took three months to plan, according to a spokesperson. Organizing an event of this magnitude required "meticulous planning, extensive expertise, and a highly efficient team," said Eisa Alsubousi, Strategic and Creative Lead of the Organizing Committee for the 53rd Eid Al Etihad.
The performance, held on December 2 in Al Ain, unfolded on the largest stage ever constructed for UAE National Day celebrations. "Preparations began in September 2024, with a team developing a comprehensive plan covering all operational details, including guest experience and field team coordination," Alsubousi explained. Over 10,000 participants from 81 nationalities, including expatriates, Emiratis, and members of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, came together to create the iconic show. "A diverse group of specialists in fields such as visual arts, design, history, culture, archaeology, and the environment collaborated" to ensure the event's success, he added.
Several advanced technologies were employed to deliver an immersive experience. "We utilized projection mapping on the stage, where multiple projectors delivered high-definition images with lighting effects to create stunning visual dimensions," Alsubousi said. "Drones played a key role, forming shapes like palm trees and invention illustrations. We also used a total of 20 camels in the live show." He noted that the show emphasized how technological advancements could be used to protect nature and showcased local projects. "We wanted to demonstrate how innovations like AI in medicine and advanced satellite technology can address global challenges, from undersea exploration to space expeditions," he explained. "We partnered with UAE institutions to highlight pioneering projects such as Archireef, AquaAi Intelligence, Hyvegeo, Med42, and Space42, showcasing local innovations that bridge environmental sustainability and technological advancement."
Writer Maryam Al Dabbagh envisioned a play where nature served as the primary narrator. "This unique storytelling approach drew inspiration from elements such as constellations, oases, and landmarks like Al Thuraya (Pleiades) and Jebel Hafeet, giving a voice to natural entities," Alsubousi said. "The show's ability to foster an emotional connection with nature by presenting it as the storyteller made it truly remarkable." Al Ain was chosen as the host city due to its natural beauty and rich history. "The event focused on Al Ain's most prominent archaeological sites, including the Jebel Hafeet Tombs, which date back to the Early Bronze Age over 5,000 years ago," he added. "It also explored the city's historic oases, forts, old houses, mosques, and markets." The Hili Archaeological Park, dating to the Umm Al Nar period, and the ancient Falaj irrigation system were also highlighted.
Staging the event at the UNESCO-listed Jebel Hafeet Desert Park required adherence to strict rules to ensure no harm to nature. "From the moment the location was selected, we coordinated with the relevant authorities in Abu Dhabi to ensure the preservation of the protected area and to restore the site to its original state after the event," Alsubousi said. "All construction for this year's celebration was temporary and was completely dismantled once the event concluded."
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