The skies above Abu Dhabi city and Madinat Zayed in the emirate’s Western Region (Al Gharbia) will burst into a majestic canvas of patriotic colours this weekend, as a series of breathtaking fireworks displays mark the UAE’s 41st National Day. Choreographed by WRG Creative Communications and Groupe F, the leading international event management agency, the coordinated shows along Abu Dhabi city’s Corniche beachfront and at Madinat Zayed Cultural Centre in Al Gharbia will see more than 17,000 fireworks, or ‘shots’, fly skywards from a collection of boats, barges and on-land stations. With some shots reaching 150-metres in height, a seven-minute show featuring comets, tails, volcanoes and shells will kick-start proceedings on the Corniche on December 1. This will be followed by 10-minute synchronised shows wowing thousands of spectators gathered to witness the fireworks at 8.30pm at Madinat Zayed and the Corniche. All the weekend’s displays are set to an original song - ‘Ya Khalifatna’ (Our Khalifa) - inspired by the classic UAE song, ‘Zanaha Zayed’ – a 1996 hit written by renowned Emirati poet Arif Al Khaja. A wide array of themed celebrations and activities have been organised to keep children and adults of all ages entertained over the extended holiday weekend. The breakwater opposite Abu Dhabi Corniche and next to Marina Mall will be one of the key activation areas and will feature Emirati theatre shows at Abu Dhabi Theatre (November 26, 28, 30 and December 2), a two-day Sailing Regetta (December 2-3) and a one-off Cultural Festival at the Abu Dhabi Heritage Village on the National Day.