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Best National Day prize goes to Khalifa University

Khalifa University’s Abu Dhabi campus has won the Best National Day Celebration prize in the Exceptional University competition organised by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Community Services.

The innovative, day-long festivities were organised by students, faculty and staff, and included a variety of activities such as the Time Machine Museum, and a play written by Khalifa University students about a student whose invention saves the world. Set in 2100, the play shows a future version of the UAE, projecting an advanced society based on technology and knowledge economy.

Other activities included traditional dances and a souq that was built inside the Abu Dhabi campus, which demonstrated traditional merchandise, a photography kiosk and a traditional tent, where several handicrafts were displayed.

In addition to the best celebration win, Khalifa University students also ranked highly in the other categories. Khalifa University student, Mohammed Abdulrazaq Hussain, won the second place in the Best National Short Movie About the Union category for his movie entitled, ‘Between the Past and the Future’. Student Meera Saeed Al Yammahi won the first place in the Best National Dress for Girls (over the age of 16) category.

The awards were launched by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Community Services with the aim of instilling and supporting a feeling of pride in the National Day celebrations, the state and its achievements, its leaders and the Emirati youth. The awards encouraged cooperation between the ministry and universities.

“We are very pleased that our National Day celebrations have been voted the best in the UAE,” said Dr Mohammed Al Mualla, senior vice president of Research and Development. “I would like to thank our students and staff for putting together such an enjoyable programme for the National Day. Our students did an excellent job showcasing Emirati traditions and heritage, and engaging our non-Emirati staff and students in the festivities. The National Day represents the UAE’s success in the 42 years since its creation, and the importance of unity and cooperation.

“Our students and staff demonstrated this unity on the day, and showed their pride in the UAE and the bold vision of its founding fathers. We are moulding the next generation of leaders and it’s important that they recognise the achievements of the past as they move forward towards creating sustainable growth.”