(From left:) UAE Ambassador H.E. Dr. Mubarak Saeed AlDhaheri and Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry, Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz, and Prof Mike Chan during the 53rd National Day celebration at the JW Marriott Hotel in Kuala Lumpur.
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec. 2, 2024 — The UAE’s 53rd National Day was a grand affair at the JW Marriott Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, bringing together an impressive gathering of VVIPs from Malaysia, the UAE, and beyond. The event not only commemorated the UAE’s formation in 1971 but also showcased the strengtelihened diplomatic and cultural ties between Malaysia and the UAE.
A Glimpse of the VVIPs
The celebration was graced by numerous high-ranking officials and dignitaries, underscoring the importance of the event in strengthening UAE-Malaysia relations. H.E. Dr. Mubarak Saeed AlDhaheri, the UAE Ambassador to Malaysia, hosted the event, while The Honorable Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul bin Tengku Abdul Aziz, Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry, served as the guest of honor. His participation highlighted the importance of the UAE-Malaysia partnership, particularly in trade, investment, and healthcare.
Royalty played a significant role at the event, with HRH Tengku Sulaiman Shah Al-Haj ibni Almarhum Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Al-Haj, a member of the Selangor royal family, attending as a notable guest. His presence reinforced the high regard in which the UAE is held in Malaysia’s royal circles. HRH Princess Mariamz and her daughter Princess Sofiyya from the Johor royal family also attended, further cementing the strong ties between Malaysia’s royal families and the UAE.
Other distinguished guests included Raja Dato’ Nushirwan Zainal Abidin, Director General of the National Security Council, and Tengku Datin Sofia Dora Tengku Mohamad, both influential figures in Malaysia’s government and Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed, Vice President of the Senate, were also present, further emphasizing the growing political ties between the UAE and Malaysia.
Other notable attendees included Tan Sri Dato’ (Dr) Johari bin Abdul, Speaker of Malaysia’s House of Representatives, and Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Anifah Aman, former Foreign Minister of Malaysia and Advisor to the Chief Minister of Sabah. Former ambassadors to the UAE, including Dato’ Sri Syed Hussien Al Habshee, Dato’ Yahaya Abd Jabar, and Datuk Seri Ahmed Fadil Bin Hj Shamsuddin, also joined the celebration, underscoring the long-standing diplomatic relations between the two countries.
In addition, H.E. Dr. Adel Mohamed Ali Ba Hamid, Yemen’s Ambassador to Malaysia, contributed to the event’s international atmosphere, further enhancing the diplomatic presence.
(2nd from left:) Prof. Mike Chan joins UAE dignitaries in the traditional Emirati dance, Al Ayyala, adding a festive cheer to the 53rd National Day celebration. The dance, symbolizing national identity and unity, highlights the cultural heritage of the UAE and showcases the joy and camaraderie of the occasion.
Festive Cheer and Camaraderie
Adding a festive cheer to the occasion, Prof. Chan was seen enjoying a moment of camaraderie and celebration with the UAE dignitaries by participating in the traditional Emirati dance, Al Ayyala. This folk dance, which symbolizes national identity and unity, is performed by men and boys who carry bamboo canes and move rhythmically to the beat of drums. A stylized battle scene, it reflects the ethos and gallantry of Bedouin life and is often performed during weddings and national holidays. In 2014, UNESCO added Al Ayyala to its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, further highlighting its cultural significance. Prof. Chan’s participation in this vibrant tradition added to the sense of celebration, showcasing the joy and unity of the occasion.
A Celebration of Healthcare and Innovation
The event also highlighted the importance of healthcare and innovation, with Prof. Dato’ Sri Dr. Mike Chan, a leading figure in regenerative medicine, in attendance as a special guest of honor. Prof. Chan, whose expertise is recognized globally, presented copies of his books on stem cell research to several dignitaries, underscoring the importance of cutting-edge medical knowledge in advancing healthcare. His message aligned with the UAE’s vision of becoming a global leader in health and wellness.
During the celebration, Prof. Chan also met with H.E. Dr. Waleed Khalifa Al Manea, the Bahraini Ambassador to Malaysia, to discuss the burgeoning healthcare collaboration between Malaysia and the UAE, reflecting the growing diplomatic relationship between these nations.
Prof. Chan’s Growing Collaboration with the UAE
Prof. Chan’s invitation to the event by H.E. Dr. Mubarak Saeed AlDhaheri highlights his influential role in global healthcare. His ties with key UAE figures, including H.E. Dr. Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Khalid Abdulla Mubarak Albuainain Almazrouie, advisor to the UAE President, were instrumental in his participation in the celebration. These close relationships, further solidified by his recent speaking engagements in Abu Dhabi, underscore Prof. Chan’s ongoing collaboration with the UAE, particularly in the field of regenerative medicine.
Strengthening Ties for the Future
The UAE’s 53rd National Day celebration was not only a commemoration of the country’s history but also a demonstration of the enduring bonds between Malaysia and the UAE, particularly in sectors such as healthcare, trade, and security. Prof. Chan’s involvement underscored the importance of building relationships that go beyond politics, with an emphasis on shared progress in health and wellness.
As Malaysia and the UAE continue to deepen their collaboration, the participation of these distinguished figures in the National Day celebration signals a promising future for mutual growth and partnership.
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