Year 6 students reveal why National Day is important to them

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Published on Thursday, 24 November 2011 10:31

Calling all students! What are you doing to celebrate the UAE's 40th National Day? What are the views of our younger generation about National Day? How do they feel about the changes in Dubai? And why are they so proud to be an Emirati? Today five AS Level English students went over to the Primary School to ask 18 students ages 10 and 11 exactly these questions.

Why is National Day so important? From year 6's point of view it is that before the UAE was not united, which meant that it was weak. Now, since its unification in 1971, it has become a strong and powerful nation, respected and visited by people from around the world. National Day is special to them because they are proud of their Emirates and how all the Sheikhs, from different tribes, united under one flag. They are also really happy that there are no wars and that the UAE is at peace with itself.

How are they going to celebrate National Day? Obaid and his family are going to celebrate the occasion by traveling deep into the desert. "I want to do what my grandfather's used to do and experience it because it gives me a sense of pride and honour." Whereas, Khalid and Abdulla, will be celebrating National Day by participating in cultural activities such as folk-dancing and camel trekking.

We found out that the younger generation spend their time on National Day celebrating with the traditional "Yola" dancing, decorating houses with flags and by decorating their cars, which can be seen on any main road. When the students were asked why they think National Day is important, they answered "because we celebrate the union of our country", and that it is simply the "best country in the world!". They also stated that they are very proud that "our grandfathers were born here" and that they are following in their footsteps.

They all are proud of their rulers, especially Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid because of how they shaped the nation from grains of sands to buildings that are over 800 meters tall! They are also proud of the rulers because they support each other, make decisions together, treat each other as equals and help other countries in need, such as Somalia.

We were really surprised and impressed with how much our young students know about their history. Firstly, they all new that the UAE was established at the Union House in Dubai in 1971 and, not surprisingly, they could all tell us the founders of the UAE - Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid.

One of the things that the boys all agreed upon is how proud they are to be an Emirati. They talked about how important our Sheikhs are to the country's success. The rulers have good morals, and can resolve issues peacefully. We could tell that Sultan was very proud of his grandfather, for everything he did to unite the UAE under one flag and how successful he was in beginning the modernisation of our country, whilst keeping our traditions and culture alive.

From all students in year 12, we wish all our parents, students and staff a happy National Day.

This article was written by the year 12 students who interviewed Year 6:

Abdulla Khoory

Ahmed al Marri

Hamad al Rumaithi

Ismail al Zarouni

Mohammed bin Suliaman