UAE celebrates Kuwait National Day

Festive events will be held in Abu Dhabi and Dubai to celebrate the occasion

Young women in Kuwait City join in celebrations for the country’s 56th Independence Day. Yasser Al Zayyat / AFP
Powered by automated translation

Rulers from each of the seven emirates conveyed their congratulations to Sheikh Sabah Al Sabah, the Emir of Kuwait, ahead of his country's National Day and Liberation Day.

Kuwaiti citizens arriving at the Abu Dhabi International Airport on Saturday were greeted by police officers who handed out wreaths of flowers and flags from both countries on the occasion of the 57th anniversary of Kuwait's National Day, observed on February 25.

Dubai International Airport will also mark the occasion by staging a water salute to aircraft arriving from Kuwait, while flowers, Arabic sweets and coffee will be offered to Kuwaiti visitors arriving in Dubai, in keeping with the spirit of Arab hospitality and culture. Major tourism attractions, malls and theme parks in Dubai will also participate in the National Day celebrations of Kuwait through various family-oriented activities on Saturday and Sunday.

On Friday, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, shared a video montage of scenes from Kuwait and archive footage of the UAE's leaders with Sheikh Sabah to a background of an Arabic song titled "I love Kuwait".

He accompanied the video with his congratulations to the country's leadership and people. "Your celebrations are our celebrations and your occasions are a joy for our people," he said.

Several activities will be held at the Etisalat Beach Canteen, the main destination of Dubai Food Festival 2018, during the two days of Kuwait National Day celebrations, include cooking demonstrations and workshops, cookie painting, balloon modelling, chocolate workshop, games and fun activities for children.

Live entertainment on Friday and Saturday included concerts featuring Miami Band from Kuwait, singer Bader Al Shaibi, performances from traditional bands and a unique culinary experience dished out by top Kuwaiti chef, Jameela Al Lenqawi.

The celebrations will conclude with a fireworks show at 8.30pm on Sunday at Etisalat Beach Canteen.

“The range of activities and events that will be held in Dubai to celebrate Kuwait’s National Day speaks volumes of the strong relations that exist between the UAE and Kuwait and will further highlight the values and cultural background that we share,” said Ahmed Al Khaja, chief executive of Dubai Festivals & Retail Establishment.

“We are also delighted that the celebrations marking Kuwait’s National Day are taking place during our Dubai Food Festival and at Etisalat Beach Canteen, the festival’s central location that is truly tailor-made for families with its own calendar of foodie events and activities.”