On December 2nd 2024, Wonder Works proudly helped deliver another unforgettable UAE National Day celebration for Eid Al Etihad 53. Using the natural landscape as our canvas, we worked with our client, People to transform the mountains into a spectacular theatre, integrating advanced projection mapping, lighting, drones and stage engineering to create an immersive celebration, grounded in nature.
This year’s ceremony focused on human-centric storytelling. The scenic mountains were constructed with a scaffold structure and then clad in plywood. This design provided a perfectly flat surface ideal for projection mapping, enabling a dual role: as a conventional screen for image-based content and as a dynamic canvas for 3D effects like moving shadows to give the stage more depth. Drones enhanced the storytelling by creating both expansive visual backdrops and symbolic imagery tied to the narrative. This balance of digital artistry and physical design brought the landscape to life in a thoughtful and visually striking way.
The expansive site located at the foot of the Jebel Hafit Mountain, posed significant challenges throughout the production. Spanning 2 km by 1 km across a wadi plain, the location lacked existing infrastructure and featured soft, shifting ground that although dry for most of the year, was prone to flooding during heavy rainfall. This unpredictability required weeks of scouting and meticulous CAD work to identify a suitable location. Extensive groundworks were then necessary, including the construction of a dedicated road, to ensure equipment and transport could safely access the site. Adding to the complexity, strict municipal regulations limited excavation to a depth of 30cm to preserve the fragile terrain. This restriction meant significant engineering solutions were required, such as weight ballasts to anchor structures instead of traditional ground anchors. Seamless collaboration between technical and scenic teams ensured the production adhered to environmental requirements while delivering a visually stunning result.
Uniting expertise worldwide, Wonder Works’ global technical team, led by Dave Williams, Head of Technical, and Ben O’Neill, Senior Production Manager, ensured a flawless production. Hector Gaitan and Rishab Jain drove the CAD design work on site, supported by Andy Bailey, John Prentice, and Estenia Williams back in London. This diverse and skilled team was responsible for coordinating all production elements, including staging, lighting, projection mapping, and drones.
Ben O’Neill: “The picturesque wadi setting came with its challenges – soft sand, uneven ground, and limited infrastructure meant every step of the production had to be carefully considered. We were fortunate that the weather held up; rain would have turned the whole site into a mud bath!”
Dave Williams: “It’s always a pleasure working with the team at People, as well as established partners like Al Laith, Auditoria and SkyMagic. Having such trusted collaborators helps us to navigate even the most complex challenges with ease and ensures that the production stays on track, delivering outstanding results year after year.”
Despite the complexities of the site, Wonder Works helped deliver a technically cohesive and visually stunning production. The project balanced minimal intervention with maximum creative impact, bringing together a 200-strong team and crew, 630 cast members, and 1,800 drones. From precision CAD work to on-site execution, The Eid Al Etihad 53 ceremony serves as a benchmark for balancing creativity, human-centric storytelling and responsibility in challenging environments.
The Eid Al Etihad 53 ceremony was live-streamed across the UAE on 2nd Dec 2024 on local TV channels, and via the official YouTube channel, bringing this spectacular celebration to audiences nationwide.
CREDITS
Project Director, National Projects Office: Rawdha Al Qubasi, Head of Operations, National Projects Office: Butti Al Muhairi, Project Manager, National Projects Office: Fatima Sultan Al Nuaimi, Head of Strategy & Creative: Eisa Alsubousi, Artistic Director: Tim Elliott, Creative Director: Gavin Robins, Executive Creative Producer: Chelsey Raysbrook, Production Designer: Josh Zangen, Composers: Studio Al Watan, MUSICOM Music, Sound Design, Polyphonia, Lighting Design: Bruno Poet, Content Design: Luke Halls Studio, Choreographer: Leigh-Anne Vizer, Costume Design: Nicolas Vaudelet, Managing Director, Spectaculars: William Jensen, Executive Producer: Egor Seregin, Head of Technical: Dave Williams at Wonder Works, Senior Production Manager: Ben O’Neill at Wonder Works
SUPPLIERS
Aggreko, AL Laith Group, Auditoria, Bani & Al Culture, Clair Global, Creative Technology, Orange Jackets, DONE+DUSTED, Pitchblack, Production Resource Group, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Simple Solutions, SKYMAGIC, VK Exhibition and Décor
