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."
