UAE | General
Colourful parade marks National Day celebration
Pageant features the running theme of federation
- By Kevin Scott, Staff Reporter, Gulf News
- Published: 00:00 December 2, 2009
- Image Credit: Ahmed Ramzan/Gulf News
- Shaikh Hamdan, Shaikh Maktoum Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Shaikh Mansour Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Shaikh Saeed Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum watch the parade to mark the UAE National Day celebrations in downtown Bur Dubai Tuesday. Lieutenant General Dahi Khalfan Tamim, Dubai police chief is also seen.
Dubai: Downtown Burj Dubai was transformed into a sea of four colours on Tuesday as thousands of performers took part in a parade to mark the UAE's 38th National Day celebration.
Dozens of huge inflatable floats representing numerous iconic landmarks including Union House, Ski Dubai and Dubai Metro made their way down Emaar Boulevard shortly after 4pm. Stilt walkers, musicians and flag-waving children also formed part of the procession.
Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, witnessed the event, which started with a rendition of the UAE national anthem.
The parade was split into three sections to highlight the period before and after the inception of the UAE federation.
The first stage featured a movie showing the UAE's pre-federation days while camels made their way past the huge crowd assembled on both sides of the road.
The second stage focused on the federation while the final segment highlighted the country's recent social and economic achievements.
A carnival atmosphere enveloped the area with residents of all nationalities sporting UAE colours, waving flags and scrambling for souvenirs such as fridge magnets and scarves. But this was not just a celebration of the country's history.
His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, used his address to the nation to say the UAE is "getting stronger, younger and more generous".
He said: "The UAE's institutions are becoming increasingly sophisticated and efficient. Here is our country, which has become more developed; its security more safeguarded and its position more revered and more effective at home and abroad. Here is our economy which has become stronger and more cohesive."
Spectators at the parade said they enjoyed the procession, Salah Aloufan, a 42-year-old PR supervisor from Kuwait, said: "I am visiting Dubai on holiday and it's very interesting to see the UAE's national day celebrations. I hope all Emiratis are grateful for this event."
Azeenat Mohammad Lawal, a 31-year-old housewife from Nigeria, said: "I live in the Burj Dubai area, so I've been watching the preparations for the parade over the last few days. Obviously it would be nice to know a bit more about Dubai."
Orlando Oliver, 30, from the UK, said: "It was quite impressive with the music, performers and big floats."
Latest news
- Man accused of leaking company information
- UAE 'equipped to handle leak from sunken ship'
- Recruiters warned as agencies tried for fraud
- Driver gets 3 months in jail for molesting girl
- Woman submits waiver in murder case
- Jilted lover jailed for attempted murder
- 62% favour three-term school system: minister
- FNC passes law on translators
- Plea to fast-track housing scheme
- Police arrest murder suspects within 24 hours
- Education Council rolls out mobile app
- Dubai to host global food safety conference
- Motorists ignore stop sign on buses
- Price of gas cylinders hiked in Sharjah
- Infrastructure projects help materials suppliers
Community Reports
-
Motorists ignore stop sign on buses
Overtaking school vehicles can put students' lives at risk
-
Safety regulations flouted at Dubai work place
In Al Nahda 2, two workers were seen working on the crane boom at a height of 20m without a full body harness or safety net in violation of rules
-
Closing U-turns creates new risks
Authorities urged to reopen closed U-turns or construct new ones on Shaikh Khalid Al Qasimi Road in Sharjah
-
Enforce the speed limit
Some motorists who drive on Al Albaany Road to avoid the toll put pedestrians at risk
