National pride on show across UAE

Shaikh Mohammed and other UAE leaders, along with King Mohammed of Morocco, watching the National Day celebrations in Abu Dhabi. —Courtesy: Youtube.com/Sheikhmohammed.ae

The nation exploded in joy and celebrations on Tuesday as patriotism percolated to every nook and corner, marking the 43rd National Day anniversary celebrations. While the Rulers and Crown Princes attended colurful parades and led the hoisting of the national flag in various emirates, people filled stadiums, corniches and roads to watch cultural activities and spectacular fireworks.

Under the patronage of the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, a grand celebration was organised at the grandstand of Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre on the occasion, which marks the establishment of the UAE federation 43 years ago.

Girls rejoice on a boat during the National Day celebrations in Sharjah on Tuesday. — KT photo by M. Sajjad

The celebration was attended by King Mohammed VI of Morocco; His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and Their Highnesses Members of the Supreme Council and Rulers of the emirates, Dr Shaikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi of Sharjah; Shaikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi of Ajman; Shaikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi of Fujairah; Shaikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mu’alla of Umm Al Quwain; and Shaikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi of Ras Al Khaimah; as well as General Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces; and Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council.

The military parade at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. — KT photo by Nezar Balout

Shaikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, Supreme President of the Family Development Foundation, and Head of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, also joined in the celebrations.

They extended hearty greetings to Shaikh Khalifa on the occasion, and prayed to Allah Almighty to bless His Highness with good health in order for his people and nation to continue the march of overall development and renaissance towards further progress and glory. They also expressed their pride in, and appreciation of the President’s wise approach that achieved all that is good for the UAE and its people.

The celebration reflected the UAE people’s jubilation over four decades of development and achievements under the wise leadership which earned the country more glory, progress and prosperity.

At 11am, hours before the start of the parade, hundreds of Emiratis began gathering at the Armed Forces Officers Club. After lunch and coffee, dozens of yellow school buses arrived at 3pm to transport them to the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

It was a riot of colours as fireworks lit up the skies and the waters near the Burj Al Arab in Dubai as part of the National Day celebrations. — KT photo by Juidin Bernarrd

Entertained by military bands with traditional Emirati tunes and videos of military life on three large screens, the excitement was palpable, with the 8,000-seat arena filling up fast.

Visitors were in for a treat as General Shaikh Mohammed took part in a traditional Emirati folk dance with swords and flags.

Apache helicopters flying the national flags of the UAE and Morocco flew past the arena as patriotic Emirati poetry played in the backdrop. They were followed by Mirage aircraft flying in formation.

As chants of ‘Watania’ (patriotism) filled the air, the military parade began approaching. The crowds waved their flags as they cheered the 5,000 soldiers participating in the parade, including women officers, special forces of the Ministry of Interior, and jujitsu fighters.

The military parade was followed by armoured vehicles — all modified Hummer trucks. As different types of desert tanks and army logistic vehicles passed by, two Apache helicopters took off, displaying fighting manoeuvres. One last fascinating air show later, the celebrations came to an end.

Celebrations in other emirates

In Dubai, Sharjah and the Northern Emirates, citizens and residents took to the streets to mark the day while enjoying a mid-week holiday. With cars decked up in the national colours of the UAE, families waved the UAE flags from rolled down windows while driving to their destinations.

Several residents thronged parks and beaches to take part in the festivities on the day, which was blessed with a pleasant weather.

Heady smells of barbeques wafted from parks, as families and friends got together to celebrate.

Many residents headed to malls where a number of art and cultural activities were taking place.

The day ended with spectacular fireworks in Dubai and Sharjah. -silvia@khaleejtimes.com