AURAK Celebrates the UAE’s 47th National Day

The American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) displayed their spirit of the union in celebrating the UAE’s 47 National Day through various activities.

National Day was established to commemorate the unification of seven Arabic states, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Umm Al Quawain, Sharjah, Fujairah, Ajman, and Ras Al Khaimah as one country, which took place on December 2, 1971 under the leadership of Sheikh Zayed. AURAK celebrated its Emirate heritage with a program including a show by the Police Band, the 8 AURAK Mini Marathon, a talent show accentuating the Emirate culture, camel rides, henna decorating, traditional food, and fellowship.

AURAK President, Professor Hassan Hamdan Al Alkin, initiated the mini marathon with aspiring words of encouragement and personally started each race. Three hundred fifty participants from 22 local institutions were divided into four different categories with each category having a male and female division: School Category, University Category, Staff/Faculty/Teacher Category, and a Special Category. The winners for each category are listed below:

Following the mini marathon, participants enjoyed a talent show showcasing operettas  “Emarati,” “3am Khalifah,” “Jaish Al Watan,” “Ya Alaman,” and “As3ad Sha3b;” all performed by students from the Saud Charity Schools Numbers 3 and 4; the “AlHarbia,” performed by Al Hboos UAE Band; a poem recitation entitled “Year of Zayed” by AURAK student, Fadeelah Al Hashmi; and the Ghawashi performing “Ghawashi.” The winners of the mini marathon were then honored on stage in a ceremony on stage.

Professor Hassan became enthralled in the contagious patriotism pervading the AURAK atmosphere, “It gives me a great sense of pride and hope not only in being able to personally partake in a powerful culturally binding experience with the Ras Al Khaimah community, but also experiencing such a massive international community eager to accept and participate in UAE traditional customs, developing a deep cultural understanding and eradicating negative nationalistic misconceptions.”