DECEMBER 8, 2015
Established on 2nd December 1971, the UAE National Day is a celebration of the nation’s independence and the joining of seven emirates under the rule of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the first president of the United Arab Emirates and the father of the nation. The UAE has since seen unprecedented growth for one of the youngest nations in the world, and established itself as the region’s business, trading and tourism hub.
Al-Futtaim recently celebrated the 44th UAE National Day in the presence of senior management, Emiratis and employees from the group’s various departments and group businesses as well as senior representatives from the Department of Immigration. The Emiratisation and Group Administration & Services departments organised the celebrations and a ceremonial cake cutting was held at Festival Tower, Dubai Festival City.
Al Futtaim Engineering celebrated the UAE National Day in a ceremony hosted by Yousuf Bin Zayed, General Manager – Business Development and Marketing, Al-Futtaim Engineering and Dawood Bin Ozair, Senior Managing Director. During the event, certificates of long service were awarded to Hassan Mohd Abdulla Ali, Mariam Mohamed Shahdad Karaim and Ahmed Awad Abbas Salary, and junior employees were given tokens of appreciation for their hard work and efforts. A quiz session was also held with prizes and the event concluded with cutting of the cake to mark the UAE National Day celebration.
Al-Futtaim Logistics organised a traditional Emirati lunch for managers and associates at their head office in Jebel Ali. The day’s celebrations commenced with playing the UAE National Anthem and Emirati associates came dressed in their best traditional attire. Speeches were given by Sami Abouhatab, Senior HRBP and Ali Shalash, Security Manager, Al-Futtaim Logistics. Also present at the ceremony were Nasser Albaloushi, Deputy General Manager, Emiratisation & Corporate Affairs and Hassan Habib, Finance Manager, Al-Futtaim Automotive group. All associates were provided with inspiring scarves, badges and pins in the colours of the UAE flag which were worn with great pride. Formal cake-cutting honours were shared by Raman Kumar, Managing Director, Al-Futtaim Logistics, Sami Abouhatab, Nasser Albaloushi and Ali Shalash.
Al-Futtaim Motors held their UAE National Day celebrations at the flagship Dubai Festival City showroom in the presence of Len Hunt, President, Al-Futtaim Automotive group and senior officials from Dubai Police. From 25th November, all Al-Futtaim Motors’ Toyota, Lexus and Hino facilities held a week-long celebration until 3rd December that included commemorative gifts for associates and customers, and multiple UAE flags were raised across its nationwide network.
Dubai Festival City Mall commemorated the 44th UAE National Day by hosting a wide array of activities to honour the spirit of the union and salute the country’s commendable achievements since its founding in 1971.
A photo exhibition organised by Watani El Emarat foundation, held between 25th November and 5th December, narrated the history of the UAE and took visitors to the mall through a historical journey demonstrating the great values and heritage of the UAE.
A themed social media competition branded #find44 encouraged visitors to find the iconic ’44’ logo in various locations across the mall and win prizes. Leading Dubai-based radio station Al Arabiya broadcasted live from Dubai Festival City Mall to celebrate the UAE’s National Day and provided visitors with opportunities to win many valuable rewards. The mall was also home to a traditional village featuring children’s activities including face painting, henna counters and handicrafts, and performances from traditional dancers and roaming artists.
Finally on 2nd December, in partnership with Al Jalila Foundation, Dubai Festival City hosted the finale and winners awards ceremony of the iconic Seven Emirates Run, which raises funds to help assist vulnerable and destitute children in the UAE.