The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) marked the 54th Eid Al Etihad with a vibrant celebration highlighting the UAE’s rich heritage and remarkable journey of nation-building. The event took place at RTA’s headquarters and was attended by Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, along with a large gathering of employees. The programme offered a unique combination of national performances, heritage displays, and interactive experiences that allowed participants to immerse themselves in the UAE’s cultural legacy.
The celebration reflected the pride, progress, and enduring values that have shaped the UAE into the modern nation it is today. It was an occasion to honor the leadership, the achievements of the country, and the vision of the Founding Fathers while engaging employees and the public in memorable festivities.
Heritage Performances Celebrate UAE’s Legacy
The Eid Al Etihad programme featured a series of artistic performances designed to showcase the UAE’s cultural heritage. National songs and traditional poetry brought the country’s history to life, telling stories of its early days, challenges, and triumphs. These performances highlighted the evolution of the UAE and celebrated the milestones that have contributed to its development and prosperity.
Employees were invited to witness the richness of Emirati culture through music and poetry, fostering a sense of pride in their nation. The performances emphasized the importance of preserving the country’s traditions while acknowledging the progress that has been achieved over the decades.
Engaging Activities for Employees
The event also included interactive activities that encouraged employees to participate and explore Emirati traditions. Attendees enjoyed henna design sessions, tried on traditional attire, and observed live demonstrations of authentic crafts. These experiences provided a hands-on opportunity to understand the country’s cultural heritage and artistic expressions.
Models of Areesh houses, which represent traditional temporary dwellings, were displayed alongside maritime fishing tools, showcasing the daily lives of Emirati ancestors. The exhibits highlighted the ingenuity, resilience, and connection to nature that have defined the UAE’s historical lifestyle. These activities created a lively and educational environment, enabling employees to engage directly with the nation’s past while celebrating its present achievements.
Extending Celebrations to the Public
RTA ensured that the celebrations were not limited to its headquarters but extended to the wider public. Fatma Al Khumiri, Director of Marketing and Corporate Communication at RTA’s Corporate Administrative Support Sector, emphasized that the initiative aimed to involve the largest audience possible and share the pride of national achievements with residents and visitors alike.
Public activities included lighting the waterfalls at Dubai Water Canal in the colors of the UAE flag and displaying Eid Al Etihad designs on smart traffic boards, Metro and Tram screens, and RTA internal displays. Metro users were also given UAE flags to join in the celebrations, fostering a sense of unity and national pride. The public initiatives ensured that the essence of Eid Al Etihad reached beyond the organization and became a shared experience for the community.
Traditional Abra Parade
A standout feature of the celebrations was the traditional Abra parade. The parade began at Al Sabkha Marine Transport Station, passed through Al Seef Station, and concluded at Deira Old Souq Marine Transport Station. The event highlighted the UAE’s maritime history and the significance of water transport in the nation’s development.
The Abra parade offered a vivid display of tradition and culture, emphasizing the connection between the country’s past and its modern identity. Residents and visitors had the opportunity to witness a living symbol of Emirati heritage and appreciate the role of traditional watercraft in trade, transport, and daily life. The parade became a central attraction, combining education, entertainment, and cultural pride in a single memorable experience.
Showcasing UAE’s Geography and Nation-Building Journey
The celebrations were designed to highlight the UAE’s geographic diversity, historical development, and stages of nation-building. Through performances, exhibitions, and interactive activities, employees and the public could trace the transformation of the UAE from its early beginnings to the thriving, modern nation it has become.
Displays illustrated the variety of environments across the country, from desert landscapes to coastal regions, showing how geography influenced traditions, trade, and cultural practices. The events also highlighted major milestones in the Union’s development, reflecting on the vision of the Founding Fathers and the leadership that continues to guide the nation.
Pride in Leadership and Achievements
RTA’s Eid Al Etihad celebrations were a tribute to the nation’s leadership and achievements. Fatma Al Khumiri explained that the events were an expression of pride in the country’s progress and an opportunity to honor the contributions of the Founding Fathers. The programme was designed to strengthen the connection between employees, the public, and the nation’s heritage.
By celebrating national accomplishments and cultural identity, RTA emphasized the UAE’s journey toward human development, social cohesion, and economic growth. The initiative reinforced the values of unity, tradition, and respect for the country’s history while showcasing the UAE as a modern, forward-looking nation.
Blending Tradition with Modern Celebration
The combination of heritage performances, hands-on activities, public initiatives, and the Abra parade created a holistic celebration that appealed to diverse audiences. Employees experienced a deep sense of connection to their culture, while the public engagement initiatives ensured that the celebrations reached a wider community.
RTA successfully blended traditional cultural elements with modern celebratory practices. The event highlighted how tradition can coexist with modernity, demonstrating the UAE’s ability to preserve its cultural roots while embracing contemporary development. The immersive nature of the celebrations ensured that participants left with a deeper appreciation of their heritage and a renewed sense of national pride.
Conclusion
The 54th Eid Al Etihad celebrations organized by RTA were a vivid testament to the UAE’s rich cultural heritage, leadership, and achievements. The event combined performances, interactive exhibits, public engagement, and traditional parades to offer a memorable and educational experience.
The celebrations not only honored the UAE’s history and the vision of the Founding Fathers but also encouraged the public and employees to participate in a shared expression of pride, unity, and cultural appreciation. By highlighting the country’s journey of development and its enduring traditions, RTA’s Eid Al Etihad festivities successfully captured the spirit of the nation and created a meaningful connection between the past and the present.
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