Samar Yahya

Saudi Gazette



JEDDAH — The recent announcement that Dubai would host Expo 2020 contributed to the ambience at the UAE National Day celebrations held at Jeddah Hilton on Wednesday.



Consul General Ahmed Mohammed Mangoosh and consulate team members received guests including Prince Sultan Bin Nasser, Prince Khalid Bin Mohammed Bin Saud Al-Kabeer and Prince Abdulilah Bin Abdulrahman Bin Nasser.



The celebration theme was “The Spirit of the Union” for the third successive year.



The national anthems of the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia were played, marking the beginning of the occasion.



Mohammad Ahmad Tayeb, director general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Makkah and the princes joined Mangoosh to cut the celebration cake.

The Expo 2020 win for Dubai is a significant milestone and will contribute to the growth of many sectors.



According to the World Economic Forum (WEF) Global Competitiveness Report 2013-2014, the UAE is seen as one of the most progressive, thriving and stable countries in the world.



Dec. 2, 1971, marks the UAE’s formal independence from British colonization and the unification of the seven emirates.



Over the years since its founding, the UAE has worked hard and accomplished high rates of sustainable development and achieved satisfaction and welfare for its citizens.



Consuls general, businessmen, bankers, top Saudi and Emirati personalities, members of the Emirati community and representatives of UAE companies and institutions operating in Jeddah were among the guests to celebrate 42 years of nationhood.



During the ceremony, a UAE popular folk show (Arda) was presented and gripped the attention of attendees.



Guests did not miss the chance to take photos at a specially decorated corner featuring the traditional old setting of an Emirati house.