After 30 days of events crowned with feelings of pride and belonging, the 'National Month' activities concluded. The month, launched under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, began on November 3rd for the second consecutive year. It was organized by 'Brand Dubai,' the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office, in cooperation with over 250 government, semi-government, and private entities. The events included numerous celebratory occasions marking cherished national days, starting with 'Flag Day' and culminating in the celebration of the 54th Union Day.
The 'Zayed and Rashid' campaign served as an umbrella that brought together numerous events and initiatives throughout the month, commemorating the great national legacy of the late Founding Fathers, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, may God rest their souls. It was a tribute to their immense contribution to the nation and the foundations upon which the United Arab Emirates was built. These foundations formed the solid base from which the embarked on a comprehensive journey of development and progress.
The broad community participation and engagement from citizens, residents, and people from outside the country were the ultimate reward that capped off a month of continuous efforts.
Sheikha Shamma Al Qasimi said: 'National occasions provide an opportunity to recall the legacy of a generation that gave so generously and devotedly served the nation, serving as an incentive to continue the journey with confidence and steadfastness towards the future.'
The 'National Month' activities kicked off with 'Flag Day' celebrations in Dubai on November 30th, a date designated by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai. On this day, His Highness raised the nation's flag at 'The Gate' building in the Dubai International Financial Centre.
In collaboration between 'Brand Dubai' and the Dubai International Financial Centre as part of 'National Month,' the facade of 'The Gate' building, the landmark of DIFC, was adorned with a massive 50-meter-tall artistic creation. It featured images of the late Founding Fathers, Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid. The creative design blended symbols of the past and a vision for the future with elements representing the UAE's achievements in space and innovation, in cooperation with Emirati artist Ahmed Badr.
As one of the main landmarks of 'National Month,' the 'Flag Garden,' implemented by 'Brand Dubai' in the Umm Suqeim 2 beach area, attracted thousands of visitors—citizens, residents, and tourists—who took commemorative photos. The garden featured 11,000 flags this year, collectively forming a 60-meter by 90-meter portrait of Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid.
To express national pride, a collaborative initiative between 'Brand Dubai' and the Roads and Transport Authority saw Dubai Metro's Red Line trains, from 'Centre Point' station to 'Expo Dubai' station, decorated with images of the nation's leaders, the late Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid, along with verses from the poem 'The People and the Leader' by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid.
Coinciding with the 54th Union Day celebrations, the 'Firdous' Women's Orchestra held a musical concert at 'The House of Arts' in Expo Dubai City on December 2nd. The orchestra performed the 'Zayed and Rashid' song, with lyrics selected from the 'The People and the Leader' poem.
'Brand Dubai,' in partnership with Dubai Municipality, created a land art installation at the roundabout opposite 'The Point' building, one of Dubai's modern landmarks, located at the intersection of Sheikh Zayed Road near Zabeel Park. This was an 82-meter-diameter artistic piece featuring a portrait of the late Founding Fathers, carrying significant national meaning within a comprehensive vision that celebrates the UAE's history and looks forward to its prosperous future.
The 'Union March,' organized by 'Brand Dubai' in cooperation with the Dubai Events Security Committee and the Community Development Authority, was the grand finale of the 'National Month' campaign. Held on December 2nd in conjunction with Union Day celebrations, the march saw over 500 vehicles participate—a symbolic expression of loyalty to the UAE's journey started by its Founding Fathers and a firm commitment to continuing it under the wise leadership of our nation.
The march's starting point was chosen for its historical significance: 'Union House,' the site where the UAE's founding declaration was signed and where the nation's flag was first raised. The route concluded at the Burj Al Arab, a symbol of the progress that has placed the UAE on the global stage.
According to media monitoring statistics, the campaign's reach is estimated at 2.9 billion interactions, with related video views exceeding 75 million.
An inspiring experience
Hessa Al Malek, Deputy President and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council and Director General of the Government of Dubai Media Office, expressed profound gratitude to all strategic partners who played a pivotal role in the success of the month-long events. These events aimed to instill the high values of loyalty, belonging, and identity that protect the nation's future. She emphasized that institutional synergy is a key factor in the success of major events in Dubai.
She said: 'We take pride in coordinating an inspiring experience where efforts converged to showcase our deep pride in the Emirati identity, our profound connection to the nation, and our commitment to celebrating important occasions that mark bright points in our development journey. We began our race against time in 1971, driven by ambition and a relentless pursuit of success.'
She confirmed that the widespread community participation and engagement from all segments of society, citizens, residents, and international visitors, were the ultimate reward that crowned a month of continuous efforts, made possible through synergy and by drawing on the values that have guided the UAE's journey to its current global standing.
She added that the integration of 'National Month' events reflects the vision of our wise leadership and its focus on mobilizing society's potential and empowering youth to be active partners in shaping the UAE's future. Enhancing national identity and reinforcing authentic Emirati values will remain a cornerstone of our work.
Platforms that inspire society
Director of 'Brand Dubai' Sheikha Shamma Al Qasimi highlighted that the extensive cooperation from Dubai's government and semi-government entities was a key reason for the initiative's success, reinforcing Dubai's ethos of teamwork. She expressed pride in 'National Month' as an initiative that transforms national occasions into platforms that inspire society, strengthen its values, and deepen its bond with identity. She noted that the campaign succeeded in uniting all segments of society around a single message: everyone is a partner in the UAE's journey to the future.
She added that national occasions are an opportunity to recall the legacy of a generation that selflessly served the nation, serving as a catalyst to move forward with confidence and determination. This is achieved through interactive initiatives that foster a spirit of participation and celebrate the high values rooted in the consciousness of the Emirati people.
Investing in creativity
Member of the Dubai 'National Month' events organizing committee, Sarah Al Marzouqi, stated that 'Brand Dubai' believes that investing in creativity is an investment in people and the nation's future. She expressed pride in the campaign's success in turning celebrations into a living narrative that expresses the Emirati identity and tells the story of the union and the nation's prosperity. She shared their happiness with the remarkable cooperation from all entities and the community, whose positive and widespread engagement was the most critical factor in achieving the campaign's goals.
