For the second consecutive year, Landal Hoog Vaals in Netherlands hosted, the UAE Open Day - an annual initiative organized by a group of Emirati families during their visit to Netherlands. Entitled “An Ambassador for my Country”, the initiative seeks to introduce the Emirati traditions and culture and to build bridges of communication with various people and cultures.
An Ambassador for my Country initiative is held in collaboration with the UAE Embassy in the Kingdom of the Netherlands under the follow-up of HE Abdullah Hamdan Al Naqbi, UAE Ambassador to the Netherlands. The initiative was launched, last year, by a group of Emirati families. It is based on the principle of sense of belonging to the nation, and considers everyone as an ambassador to his/her country abroad – responsible for conveying the country’s culture and represent it well at the other communities.  
HE Mariam Al Shamsi, Charge d’Affaires of the UAE Embassy in Netherland, opened the activity in presence of Adil Al Amiri, Diplomat in the UAE Embassy and many members of the Diplomatic Corps and a crowd from Dutch community.  
Commenting on the occasion, HE Mariam Al Shamsi said: “It is pleasing to see the well organised event was attended by Emirati tourists as well as tourists from other Gulf countries, Dutch and Europeans. I was sincerely impressed by how well the event reflected many aspects of Emirati Culture. The event hosted The Emirates prominent artist, Ahmed Al Ansari, who delighted us with his presence and expressive paintings. There is also the display of traditional Emirati clothing and artifacts, books by Emirati authors in Arabic and European languages, and Emirati Kitchen with all its glory was presented with heartwarming and delicious many dishes. The event was a success and we are eager to see what the organisers have in store for us next year”.
Rashid Mohammed Al Kous, General Manager of Knowledge without Borders, and Co-organiser of the event, expressed his delight at the success being made by “Ambassador for my Country” year over year, which reflects the spirit of belonging to the nation and conveys a bright image of our homeland. He added that the initiative saw increase in number of participating Emirati families, and also in number of Dutch visitors and representatives of Arabic and Islamic communities in Netherlands. “The UAE cultural identity, traditions and customs are celebrated in Netherland on this day every year”, he said.
Huda Salem Al Dah, Coordinator of the event, said: “Thanks to the joint efforts of the Emirati families and their eagerness to reflect the right image of their country the day’s activities and programs were well organized and made an impressive success. The day highlighted the authenticity of the UAE’s history and its cultural leadership. Emirati families had commenced their preparations for the day in advance, before they travelled to Netherlands. Participating families were Salem Al Dah’s family, Rashid Al Kous’ family, Jassim Al Naboodah’s family, Ahmed Al Ansari’s family, Hussain Al Haji’s family, Abdul Aziz Al Hwaidi’s family and Talal Bu Al Houl’s family.
The Emirati Day included heritage, art and entertaining activities, including a solo exhibition for artist Ahmed Al Ansari who presented a collection of artworks that reflects the UAE’s history and heritage landmarks. The activities included Henna painting, Emirati food, Emirati artifacts and photograph with Emirati traditional attire which attracted a large number of Dutch and European visitors.