UNION DAY 52
UNION DAY 52
EXPO CITY - DUBAI, UAE
The UAE celebrated its 52nd Union Day with a spectacular ceremony that seamlessly blended mass choreography, intimate performances, cutting-edge technology, and mixed media production. This event honoured the nation's foundation and explored its rich cultural heritage and future vision through groundbreaking theatre and poetic storytelling.
It was an immense privilege to collaborate on this project from its inception, working alongside the organising committee to assemble and co-lead a highly skilled creative team. Partnering closely with Creative Director Es Devlin, Artistic Director Ayesha Hadher, and Co-Directors Francisco Negrin and Gavin Robins, we meticulously crafted the show’s narrative, drawing from deep explorations of Bedouin tribal culture, ancient artisanal crafts, and the enduring spirit of resilience.
The story was brought to life through the voice of an Emirati Al Sadu weaver, whose lifetime journey intertwined national achievements, evolving cultural values, and Sheikh Zayed’s visionary pursuit of sustainability.
The stage design pushed boundaries, featuring an extraordinary 92-meter-diameter revolving theatre stage with 47-meter-wide automated sliding shutters that revealed 17 internal chambers. These shutters, illuminated with over 180° projection surfaces in collaboration with Luke Halls, served as a dynamic canvas for storytelling.
With a cast of over 1,000 aerialists, dancers, actors, and community groups, alongside a special appearance from an AI-powered robot, the production showcased the region’s finest talent.
The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra provided a live score, enhanced by pioneering lighting and 360° surround sound, immersing the audience in a multi-sensory experience.
Timed strategically with COP28 at Expo City Dubai, the ceremony highlighted the UAE’s dedication to climate action. Our collaboration with sustainability consultancy Bulb, alongside the organising committee and technical teams, led to the successful implementation of robust environmental policies, resulting in ISO 20221 certification.
Managing the vast scope of deliverables, systems, and processes provided invaluable lessons and opportunities for growth. The journey—driven by each script iteration, content creation, and design evolution—was both challenging and transformative. The result: a truly remarkable ceremony that stands as a testament to the creative and collaborative spirit of everyone involved.
MEDIA CREDIT: National Projects Office / People
CREDITS: Creative Director & Designer – Es Devlin | Creative Producer – People | Co-Show Directors – Francisco Negrin & Gavin Robins | Lighting Design – Bruno Poet | Sound Design – Auditoria | Video Design – VYV | Music & Composers – Mohammed Al Ahmad, Musicom, Polyphonia, Ali Al Akawar, Dom Jones | Content Creation – Luke Halls Studios | Choreographer – Leigh-Ann Vizer & Sadeck Berrabah | Broadcast – Done+Dusted | Technical Design – Wonder Works | Creative Executive Producer – Rawdha Al Qubasi | Artistic Director – Ayesha Hadher | Head of Operations – Butti Al Muhairi | Head of Strategy – Eisa Alsubousi | Head of Content and Research – Rauda Alfalasi Production