As the UAE marks its Golden Jubilee, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) joined the celebration showcasing various aspects of the country’s rich heritage and culture with themed activities at Gate Avenue.

DIFC management and its wider community of almost 28,000 professionals celebrated together at the vibrant urban destination with cultural performances including Ayyala, Harbiya and Liwa as well as a drumming parade with traditional UAE beats.

Paying tribute to the country, DIFC is displaying unique art pieces including the Pillar of Fortitude by renowned artist Helidon Xhixha, alluding to the numeric 1, which represents the seven Emirates of the UAE. A winner of the 2016 London Design Biennale Public Medal for his best installation, Helidon was inspired by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, when he declared 2021 as the Year of the 50th. Using enamel on fibre glass, contemporary artist Mia Fonssagrives Solow, known for her refined and whimsical aesthetic in both figurative and abstract forms, is showcasing four art pieces in Red (Bone Form), Green (Apple Form), White (Sale Form) and Black (Eggplomb).

DIFC honoured the UAE National Day with a reflection on the nation’s achievements over the last 50 years as it looks towards the UAE centenary in 2071.