Abu Dhabi turns National Day celebrations into carnival

Fireworks shower Emirates Palace in celebration of UAE 45th National Day in Abu Dhabi, December2, 2016. Photo By Ryan Lim

The Capital buzzed with heavy activity and long weekend meant people had options galore to mark the National Day. People flocked to Abu Dhabi Corniche, malls and parks, and not without a reason. Each place had something different to offer - heritage attractions, competitions, exhibitions and theatrical shows. And to roundup there were firework shows too.
All the malls in the Capital were packed with bachelors and families right from afternoon till late night.
Town Square at Yas Mall staged shows of traditional Emirati 'Ayala' dance, face painters kept children occupied and henna section their mothers. Falcon shows wowed expats.
There were exhibitions, which included painting of the UAE rulers.
Dalma Mall showcased Emirati Traditional Village. People thronged the Emirati Tent to dress up in traditional clothes and take photos and selfies. Then there were traditional songs, dances and food. People also crowded around Arabic calligraphy section.
Al Maryah Island hosted an array of performances, including 'Ayala', 'Harbia' and 'Yola' dances, traditional drummers, National Day parade and police marching band on its waterfront promenade. This apart from the Emirati arts and crafts, falconry displays, henna and Arabic calligraphy.
Khalidiyah Mall on Saturday held live paintings by 45 children, each highlighting the glorious achievements made by the UAE till date - all monuments, heritage site, Burj Khalifa, Ferrari World being some of them.
Yas Marina Circuit had sports cars vrooming on the tracks and array of cultural programmes.
Then there were parks, with each being jam-packed to capacity. Parks and open spaces along the Corniche saw people booking spots for the parade and fireworks.
Friday night saw Corniche, Emirates Palace, Al Maryah Island, Yas Island - each one competing with the other with firework displays. The fireworks illuminated the Abu Dhabi skyline in the colours of the national flag.
Friday night also saw people making optimum use of foam spray as a way to celebrate. People engaged with friends and strangers but all in festive spirits. The cars entering jam-packed Corniche Street were covered with string sprays - all being contributions made by street revelers.
The three-day celebrations came to an end on Saturday.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com

• Abu Dhabi