Declared as the Year of the 50th, 2021 has been seeing celebrations on in full swing as UAE completes 50 glorious years since the Union of the seven Emirates on December 2, 1971. The UAE was founded under the visionary leadership of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, known as the Father of the Nation. He also became the Federation’s first President. December 2 has since then come to be celebrated as UAE’s National Day and marks the unification of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ra’s al-Khaimah, Ajman, Umm al-Quwain and Fujairah under one federation.
The largest of these emirates is Abu Dhabi which is also the capital of the UAE. The National Day is marked with grand celebrations including fireworks, air shows, military processions, with the national flag being displayed all across the country. And as the Nation steps into its Golden Jubilee this year, there is much that the country has to celebrate and be proud of.
A melting pot of diverse nationalities, cultures and ethnic groups, the country has come to represent a beautiful blend of the ancient with the latest in modern advancements.
From being known for its trade as fishing villages to progressing as one of the most cosmopolitan nations, the country has evolved rapidly to emerge as a global hotspot in the 21st century.
While Sharjah was named the “Cultural Capital of the Arab World” by UNESCO in 1998, in 2009 the UAE became the first country in the Middle East to host the FIFA Club World Cup tournament. The country also houses some of the most marvelous modern architectural wonders including museums and monuments. In fact, Dubai has emerged as one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations boasting of the second most 5 star hotels in the world as well house of the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa. Dubai also ranks high when it comes to safety of women. The country has been lauded worldwide for its effective handling of the recent global pandemic and their vaccination programs.