AJMAN// A time capsule that sums up the UAE’s history with videos, pictures and writings, was the highlight of Ajman’s celebrations for 45th National Day.
The capsule, an initiative from the Ajman Tourism Department, was launched on November 25 and will be on display until December 3 before being placed underground for a period of five years.
People from across the country were invited to participate with any material that documents the nation’s history, which will then be dug out in 2021, the year in which the UAE will be celebrating its golden jubilee.
The capsule was showcased in Safiya Park Walk, in Masfout and at the Flag Park in the past week, and on Saturday will be taken to the Ajman Museum in preparation for placing it underground with a “see you in five years” hashtag.
The idea of the capsule is to measure the country’s achievements since the union and to encourage a challenge for further progress in future.
Ajman celebrations were not restricted to the time capsule, several formal events were held by the police, municipality, and every other department in the emirate.
But for the general Ajman population, they could be found last night stretched along the Corniche celebrating National Day with songs, dances, and parades, all a result of sincere individual efforts.
Emiratis roamed around in decorated cars carrying pictures of the Founding Father, others of the country’s leaders, or Armed Forces illustrations, all driving slowly and stopping for every passersby who wanted to take pictures of themselves alongside the vehicles.
Patriotic songs played loudly while Emirati children dressed in traditional clothes or army uniform to express solidarity, waved the country’s flags high and with pride.
You see no one complaining about traffic congestion, as if every single person in Ajman was committed to celebrate in harmony with every one else.
Ajman Corniche, as it does every year on National Day, wore its best – decorated trees, beautifully designed monuments depicting the nation’s heritage, brightly lit buildings, streets and roundabouts decorated with signs of 45 reminding all of the years of growth and development.
People were expressing their happiness of the joyous occasion spontaneously and from the heart. Walking along the Corniche were men from all ethnicities joining in the event in their own way, a group formed a circle and performed a folkloric dance while another group few metres away, danced to Emirati tones.
Masked teenagers, boys and girls, walked alongside cars, spraying coloured strings and singing, while drivers and passengers welcomed them with smiles and whistles.
