UAE Celebrates Saudi National Day

Saudi Arabia flag display on Burj Khalifa (WAM)
Saudi Arabia flag display on Burj Khalifa (WAM)
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UAE Celebrates Saudi National Day

Saudi Arabia flag display on Burj Khalifa (WAM)
Saudi Arabia flag display on Burj Khalifa (WAM)

The UAE is celebrating Saudi Arabia’s 92nd National Day, marked on September 23, with large-scale official and popular celebrations, under the theme, "Together Forever KSA-UAE," underscoring the deep-rooted relations between the two countries.

UAE’s major landmarks and many official and private entities have started decorating their headquarters with Saudi flags, and shopping malls have announced special events and activities on the occasion.

The two countries announced in 2016 the establishment of Saudi-Emirati Coordination Council, which aims to establish a joint vision to strengthen and maintain their mutual ties and consolidate their integrated economic systems.

Marking the occasion an official tweet, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice -President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, extended his congratulations to the leadership and people of Saudi Arabia.

The leadership of the two countries celebrate national occasions, which underscores the deep-rooted ties between both countries.

UAE- Saudi cultural relations also saw the signing of many joint agreements, where economic and commercial ties represent a distinguished and rich model of cooperation for a better future.



It's Christmas for the Elephants as Unsold Trees are Fed to Animals at Berlin Zoo

For the elephants and others at the Berlin Zoo, it's finally time to unwrap their Christmas presents. - The AP
For the elephants and others at the Berlin Zoo, it's finally time to unwrap their Christmas presents. - The AP
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It's Christmas for the Elephants as Unsold Trees are Fed to Animals at Berlin Zoo

For the elephants and others at the Berlin Zoo, it's finally time to unwrap their Christmas presents. - The AP
For the elephants and others at the Berlin Zoo, it's finally time to unwrap their Christmas presents. - The AP

For the elephants and others at the Berlin Zoo, it's finally time to unwrap their Christmas presents.

Trees that didn't find a home this festive season were given to some of the animals on Friday in what has become an annual event. Elephants tore off branches with their trunks, lobbing them around their enclosure or eating the greenery.

The zoo takes only fresh, unsold trees from select vendors. It doesn’t accept trees from the public, which could contain chemicals or leftover decorations, The AP news reported.

“They don’t just serve as food, they are also used to keep the animals occupied,” said Florian Sicks, the zoo's curator for mammals.

“The animals can fight with them, they can rub themselves against them, they can throw themselves over them and do various other things with these fir trees,” he added. "And so we enrich the animals’ everyday lives, which they are very happy about.”

While the elephants eat up much of the tree, other animals take a more cautious approach.

This year, the giraffes got the belated stocking-fillers for the first time — suspended upside down at the height of their heads. Max enjoyed more than a taste of the greenery, but companion Mugambi appeared unconvinced after inspecting it.