As it happened: UAE celebrates National Day

National Day festivities included a host of activities such as flag raising ceremonies and parades, but the main showstealer was the magnificent fireworks display in various places in UAE.

National Day fervour has gripped the UAE as people - expats and Emiratis alike - began 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 government is confidently progressing to deliver indicators of the National Agenda leading to the UAE Vision 2021 which seeks to develop and improve conditions in areas of justice, security, economy, environment, living standards, housing, education, health and infrastructure, The President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has declared in a statement.

Rulers across the UAE wished the nation on the glorious day celebrating the 45th year of the union.

His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces led the opening ceremony of the hi-tech Etihad (Union) Museum in Dubai, which will the story of UAE to future generations.

The National Drilling Company building 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.

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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.