How the UAE celebrates National Day

The ways in which the people in this country celebrate are as diverse as the people themselves.

National Day fervour has gripped the UAE as people - expats and Emiratis alike - begin their celebrations in earnest throughout the emirates.
All over the country, buildings were lit up in the red, white, black and green colours of the UAE's flag. The National Drilling Company building, for example, was brightly adorned with flags, the number '45', and images of the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan; His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; and His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
Additionally, throughout the UAE, people began gearing up for the weekend's impressive line-up of National Day events, with souvenirs, flags, scarves and other National Day-themed items selling at a steady pace at stores in every emirate, many of them bearing the faces of the country's leadership.
Still others decided to use their vehicles to show their love for the country, decorating the hoods of their cars with the national symbols and colours.
The ways in which the people in this country celebrate are as diverse as the people themselves, but the common thread is that they are all united in their appreciation and love for the UAE.
- reporters@khaleejtimes.com