AUS celebrates UAE National Day

American University of Sharjah (AUS) commemorated the UAE's 41st Anniversary Celebration with a five-day series of events held November 24-28, 2012.

On November 24, the AUS Office of Student Affairs Community Services Office organized the Charity Mini-Marathon Festival, which was attended by more than 1,000 participants across the AUS community. Participants ran three different distances between the Sharjah University City gate and the main AUS roundabout. The mini-marathon was held to commemorate UAE's National Day and also to support traffic accident prevention.

As part of the celebrations on campus, UAE flags were displayed in all academic buildings and in the Student Center. On November 25, the student-run Emirati Cultural Club hosted a Jalsa night in the university's main plaza featuring a traditional Emirati band and a huge UAE flag made out of student handprints.  The Jalsa night was aimed at presenting Emirati hospitality.  On November 26, students paraded to Sharjah Police Academy to support its campaign for National Day.

The main event of the celebrations was the Emirati heritage village hosted at the university's plaza on November 27 and 28.  The heritage village featured a photo gallery, a display of traditional artifacts, local cuisine and a band, all aimed at highlighting the UAE's culture. The heritage village was inaugurated by Dr. Peter Heath, AUS Chancellor; Dr. Moza Al Shehhi, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs; and Salem Al Qaseer, Vice Chancellor for Public Affairs.

"UAE National Day is celebrated yearly at AUS. Our students take pride in organizing various events for this very special occasion.  This year, we are celebrating 41 years of a nation.  I congratulate all the Great Leaders and the people of UAE on this special occasion. I thank all students and staff who contributed to the celebrations on campus," said Dr. Al Shehhi.

The festivities were concluded with the National Day Sports Festival held by the Office of Student Affairs' Student Athletics and Recreation Department on the night of November 28.  More than 200 students competed in street ball, volleyball, soccer and cricket as well as a fitness challenge. 

Students then gathered at the soccer field and marched towards the Sports Complex carrying UAE flags and various National Day memorabilia. The sports event ended with a prize distribution ceremony followed by snacks and refreshments.

The celebrations were organized by the Office of Student Affairs in collaboration with the Emirati Cultural Club.