More than 250 pupils from Dubai Heights Academy (DHA) together with their families, staff and friends came together to mark the UAE’s 48th National Day and Year of Tolerance with two days of traditional Emirati activities, dancing, singing and Arabic storytelling.
Kicking off the celebrations on Wednesday 27th November, pupils and staff took part in a range of activities and games including camel rides, falconry, henna art and face painting as well as enjoying a fantastic feast of local Emirati dishes, traditional music, dancing and singing.
Other highlights included pupils building the Burj Khalifa using a range of recyclable materials, a best dressed competition and a stall selling DHA’s Bags for Life with all proceeds going to Emirates Nature WWF.
Meanwhile, on Thursday 28th November, the entire school took part in a special National Day assembly with family and friends invited to watch pupils perform traditional dance and recite famous Arabic stories and poems as well as to view a range of special artwork.
During the assembly, a video of DHA pupils together with Emirati presenter Haithem Al Hamadi singing the national anthem and explaining what the Year of Tolerance means to them and their school was showcased. The video was filmed on location at Dubai Heights Academy and will also be aired on Dubai One on Monday 2nd December as part of a special National Day broadcast.
Alison Lamb, Principal, Dubai Heights Academy, said: “In celebration of this National Day, pupils from all faiths and nationalities came together to honour how the UAE has followed in the footsteps of Sheikh Zayed by embracing its heritage of tolerance and equality.
“Walking around campus, taking in all the vibrant colours, traditional entertainment and smiling faces, there was a real sense of gratitude and appreciation for the country our pupils, their families and staff are proud to live in.”