Dubai Silicon Oasis Marks 47th UAE National Day

Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA), the regulatory body for Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), the integrated free zone technology park, today marked the 47^th UAE National Day with a host of patriotic activities reflecting the spirit of the union.

The commemorative event that celebrated the UAE’s heritage drew the participation of Dr Mohammed Al Zarooni, Vice Chairman and CEO of DSOA, as well as the senior DSOA leadership team, DSOA’s staff, business partners and community members.

This year’s national day celebrations stood out due to the largest wooden block mosaic in the world on display across from the DSOA headquarters, which earned the Authority a Guinness World Records title. The piece, displaying the Year of Zayed logo, measures 224.12 square meters (27.56 meters x 8.132 meters) and comprises 22,275 recyclable wooden mosaic blocks.

On this occasion, Dr Mohammed Al Zarooni said: “We congratulate the UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Furthermore, we extend our best wishes to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates, as well as the citizens and residents of this great country.”

He added: “This year, we celebrate the 47^th UAE National Day, which coincides with the 100^th anniversary of the birth of the founding father of the UAE, late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and the UAE Government’s Annual Meetings for 2018 that will launch long-term strategies to set the path towards the UAE Centennial 2071. Key initiatives since the establishment of the union in 1971 include the UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence, the Advanced Sciences Strategy 2021, and the National Quality of Life Framework. We will continue to advance the nation’s comprehensive development journey under the directives of our wise leadership that is committed to building a bright future to ensure the happiness of UAE citizens and residents.”

Creating a perfect ambiance for the occasion, the streets of DSO and the Authority’s headquarters were decorated in the colors of the UAE flag. The celebrations featured cultural activities to entertain the crowds. Highlighting the importance of sports in Emirati culture, the program included archery and falconry displays, offering visitors the opportunity to learn more about falcons and experience holding one.

This year, the authority extended its celebrations to all its official social media platforms, inviting subscribers to view the activities via online live streaming.  Residents and visitors added their names and special messages to a signing wall, located across from the DSOA headquarters, as a symbolic pledge of their allegiance to the nation.

At a live cooking station, local chefs invited guests to sample authentic Emirati dishes, such as luqaimat and harees, while a calligraphist created personalized memorabilia on request, reflecting the authenticity of the celebrations.