National Day celebrations

ABU DHABI // A contest to find the best street in each of the seven emirates is being launched to mark the 38th anniversary of the founding of the UAE. As part of the celebrations, a total of 61 events and activities are being organised by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Community Development and other state bodies. An official website (www.nationalday.ae) containing information on the history of the UAE and of the leading figures who founded the country is being launched in November after officials selected one of seven competing submissions. Events to mark the 38th national day will detail the "history, culture, spirit and achievements of the federation", according to a statement from WAM, the state news agency. The programme of events is being organised by the higher committee for celebrations under the ministry, which recently held is third meeting. At the meeting, the committee also approved an emblem for the celebrations, picked from five entries shortlisted from 50 designs developed by companies and university students. The UAE plans to invite overseas media to the country to interview senior officials and learn about the country's progress since it was founded. * WAM