The Emirates Group celebrated the UAE’s 44th National Day today with a spectrum of activities across the organization. At Emirates Group Headquarters and across its offices and facilities in Dubai, departments gathered for a dynamic programme of activities that were enjoyed by both Emiratis as well as their expat colleagues.

To officially kick off the celebrations, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline & Group commemorated UAE National Day with a cake-cutting ceremony at the Group’s Headquarters, which was followed by local Emirati dance performances.

Sheikh Ahmed said: At this time of the year, we all reflect on the nation’s achievements and the progress we witness day in and day out, thanks to the nation’s great leaders and the contributions of both UAE nationals and residents. Sharing our national pride and Emirati hospitality through initiatives across the Emirates Group is a great way to showcase the UAE’s rich culture and history, and I am proud to see our Emirati and expat colleagues who hail from over 160 countries celebrating the UAE’s spirit of patriotism and unity together on our 44th UAE National Day.

A purpose-built heritage house containing a majlis made its debut at the Group Headquarters atrium, draped in the colours of the UAE Flag. The heritage house aims to showcase the UAE’s rich traditions and history. Employees and their families at Emirates Group Headquarters participated in the Emirati heritage bazaar that included henna art, handicrafts and a special area for children which offered face painting and other activities.

At Emirates Flight Catering (EKFC), staff gathered at lunchtime where they were treated to a special menu that focused on local flavours and sampled traditional Emirati dishes.

Emirates SkyCargo and Emirates Engineering also marked the spirit of the union at their respective facilities, and captured the special day with staff proudly holding the UAE flag with an Emirates B747-400F and a recently delivered Emirates A380 aircraft respectively.