Future Generations Library Celebrates the 54th UAE National Day
The Future Generations Library in the UAE celebrated the country's 54th Union Day with a special event that brought together 70 citizens and residents. The celebration highlighted how cultural institutions are working to strengthen national identity through reading programs and community engagement.
The event took place under the patronage of Dr. Sheikha Shama bint Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan, who chairs the board of Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan's cultural and educational institutions. The library operates as part of the Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan Reading Program, which focuses on connecting literature with national pride.
Three different halls hosted the festivities - Knowledge Buds, Knowledge Crown, and Emirates Knowledge. The diverse programming reflected the UAE's multicultural society, with participants from various backgrounds coming together to mark the national holiday.
Several community groups joined the celebration, including the Zayed Legacy project team and members of the Khalida Imprint initiative. Local cultural demonstrations came from the Coffee and Senna School, along with the crafts department of the Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan Center.
Dr. Sheikha Shama delivered remarks emphasizing how reading and knowledge help build national belonging. She spoke about creating an aware generation that takes pride in the country's leadership and achievements across different sectors. The speech connected literacy efforts with broader national development goals.
The event featured traditional Yola performances, where many attendees participated in the cultural dance. Organizers distributed symbolic gifts and arranged photo opportunities for participants to commemorate the occasion.
This celebration shows how cultural institutions in the UAE are positioning themselves as key players in preserving national identity. By linking reading programs with patriotic events, these organizations aim to instill traditional values in younger generations while celebrating the country's rapid development under current leadership.
The approach reflects a broader strategy across Gulf states to use cultural programming as a tool for national cohesion. As the UAE continues its economic diversification efforts, institutions like the Future Generations Library serve as bridges between heritage preservation and modern development goals.
Layla Al Mansoori