Dubai: As the Burj Khalifa rose from behind a huge stage, which hosted the performances of the Kullunna Khalifa event, the audience who almost filled all the chairs left with memories of patriotism and fun at the same time.
Umm Saeed, an Emirati housewife who brought her two children aged 10 and 3 said she felt proud as she watched the performance which depicted how the UAE federation was formed.
"It made me feel just how much trouble our great leaders and founders of the country, Shaikh Zayed and Shaikh Rashid, went through to form this federation and make us a strong nation.
"I brought my children along to enjoy the Kullunna Khalifa song especially, whose lyrics I felt expresses our loyalty to our leader and has a patriotic sense."
Video: Patrotism soars at Kulluna Khalifa
Community
Majdi Saleem, an Egyptian salesman who grew up in the UAE, recalled his school days and how he used to take part in the UAE National Day celebrations at that time.
"I enjoyed everything in tonight's performance. I think such events bring various community members closer to the national community."
Amani Al Shamsi, a nine-year-old Emirati girl who came dressed in the national colours, said she asked her father and brother to take her to the event as she wanted to take part in celebrating the National Day here after she celebrated it at her school in the morning.
"I loved the Kullunna Khalifa song which was sung by schoolchildren. I also loved the fireworks and their colours as they were similar to the colours I am wearing," she said.
Ruba Hashim, a Jordanian woman, said the enthusiasm and excitement of her grandchildren aged nine and 12 who were born and brought up in the UAE, made her want to accompany them to the event.
Ruba's favourite was the video clips about the country. "I liked the old video clips which showed how this country's great leaders led it to this stage of achievement and progress.
"I have been coming to Dubai for the past 20 years and it is amazing to me to see this great change achieved in a short period of time. I wish this country remains united always," she said.
Younger generation
Fatma Khalfan, a 23-year-old university student, who came with her friends, said: "This was a fun event as well as an educational one which highlighted to the younger generation especially the importance of the federation and the need for them to preserve it and continue the march of progress which was started by our great leaders".
She added that she felt that such an event and many similar ones should be organised throughout the year and not just on the National Day.
"I was also amazed by the opera performance by the first Emirati soprano. Such events also help to bring out the local talents in various fields."
What is Kulluna Khalifa?
Kullunna Khalifa, which means (We are all for Khalifa), is a phrase which has been used for most of the UAE's 39th National Day celebrations this year.
The Dubai Committee for National Day Celebrations organised a big event named "Kullunna Khalifa" to mark the 39th UAE National Day and as a mark of respect and admiration for President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The organisers have been tweeting and sending messages on Facebook to the people in the UAE to join a gathering at Burj Khalifa and show the spirit of patriotism and love for the country and the president.
