On December 3, Mirdif City Centre will celebrate the 40th UAE National Day in the true spirit of community by hosting a Grand Parade, featuring students from schools in the local community. Under the theme ‘My UAE National Day Parade’, over 150 children will be led by a group of Arabic drummers and costumed performers, marching proudly in celebration of the milestone occasion of 40th UAE National Day. The Grand Parade will culminate in the Central Galleria where the Awards Ceremony for the inter-school arts project will take place, and all participating schools will be recognised for their UAE-inspired sculptures. 

Starting at 4:00pm on Saturday December 3, Mirdif City Centre will come alive with a vibrant and celebratory showcase of national pride as drummers, costumed performers and students perform in a Grand Parade. Students will be sporting their own decorated UAE-themed T-Shirts while the drummers and performers will entertain shoppers and visitors. The Grand Parade will finish in the Central Galleria where the My UAE National Day Awards Ceremony will take place.

The Awards Ceremony will congratulate the efforts of all participating students in the My UAE National Day Awards inter-school arts project. Six schools, inspired by some of the UAE’s most iconic landmarks, animals or modes of transport have handcrafted 18 ‘green’ arts sculptures made from recyclable materials. The sculptures have been in display in the Oasis Walk in advance of the 40th UAE National Day celebrations, with shoppers allowed to vote for their favourite. On December 3, Mirdif City Centre will award the winning arts sculpture and school with  laptops, for educational use. All participating schools will also be awarded the gift of language, with a library of Arabic books from Kalimat to promote the native language of the UAE. 

“As the countdown draws near to the 40th UAE National Day, there is a growing sense of unity community spirit,” said Yousif Al Ali, Asset Director for Mirdif City Centre. “We’re pleased to offer a platform for our future generation – the children in our community, to demonstrate through art and performance, what the UAE means to them. The day will be a joyous occasion for family, children and all visitors to the mall and we invite all to join in the festivities.”