School pupils took over the La Perle theatre to become the stars of the show for the day in a ceremony that showcased the progress of the UAE over time. The Father’s Legend, ceremony, which was attended by the Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, included eight performances by 250 Emirati pupils. The display, which was organised by the Ministry of Education, was based on the stages of the UAE’s establishment and development in celebration of the memory of the UAE’s founding father, Sheikh Zayed. It paid homage to the UAE’s heritage, Arab and Islamic culture, as well as the country’s national and religious values. The performance was welcomed by Sheikh Mohammed, who praised the performances of the pupils and everyone else involved, including the students, supervisors, producers, technicians and officials from the ministry. It was attended by Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid, Chairman of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation, Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid, and several ministers, academic and cultural leaders, and senior officials. Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, wrote on Twitter: “We were honoured to attend the epic show “The Father’s Legend” in celebration of the wisdom of Zayed. “The ceremony showcased our heritage and culture in artistic and poetic narrations. We are proud of our students in the programme Rawaea (Wonders) which revealed creative talents in performing arts.” Opening last year, aerial and aqua show La Perle is Dubai’s first permanent show, which is performed every night in the 10-storey theatre in Al Habtoor City.