ACC commemorates Somali National Day

Somali heritage exhibitions and performances

The festival included a Somali heritage exhibition that displayed traditional handmade objects, equipment from Somali life, fabrics, and musical instruments used in Somali songs. A range of traditional Somali foods and desserts produced using locally sourced agricultural ingredients were also on show. The event featured video displays of songs and dances from Somalia's various regions and communities, as well as recitations of well-known Somali poems.

Welcome address

Nasser Al Darmaki, a board member of the club, began the ceremony with a welcome address, expressing his delight at hosting the Somali community's national festival. He underlined the club's dedication to assisting Arab communities and intellectuals by offering a space for cultural engagement and creativity. Al Darmaki confirmed that this goal is consistent with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, who founded the club to serve as a cultural hub.

Enhancing UAE-Somali relations

Al Darmaki also emphasised the deep kinship links between the UAE and Somalia, which are founded on shared history and culture and deepened over time through mutual cooperation.

Somali Ambassador's speech

Hussein Abdi Halane, Somali Ambassador to the UAE, gave a speech thanking the club for hosting the event and congratulated the Somali community on its national day. He recalled the Somali people's accomplishments and patriotic togetherness, applauding the community's efforts to preserve strong ties to their motherland. The ambassador praised the Somali community in the UAE for its adherence to local rules and commitment to developing friendship and peace among various resident communities, thereby projecting a favourable picture of Somalia abroad.

Tribute to Sheikh Zayed and continued support

The envoy also paid tribute to the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan for launching the UAE's long-standing support for Somalia, stressing that these efforts have grown stronger and more widespread over time.

Remarks from the Head of the Somali Community in Ajman

Mohammed Abdullah, the Head of the Somali Community in Ajman, emphasised the importance of this national day as a source of pride for Somalis. He elaborated on the Somali community's year-round cultural and social initiatives in the UAE, which aim to strengthen national unity while also fostering harmony and involvement among the country's varied expatriate communities.