Corniche parade revisits nation's colourful history

Abu Dhabi: The Corniche was transformed on Monday into a festive place as a parade marched here as part of the UAE 36th National Day celebrations. The parade was organised by the Emirates Heritage Club.

"This event is in unity with other National Day events. We are celebrating our present and our future," said Mohammad Al Neyadi, director of the Emirates Heritage Club. Three trucks were turned into floats to display the historical events of the country. There was music, a display showing a Bedouin camp and rural life. Alongside the floats, a military band and a cavalry unit marched to the strains of the national anthem. People watched as Bedouin women rode on camels.

"If it were not for the skyscrapers and paved roads, this is how Abu Dhabi looked like 40 years ago. And this is exactly our intention: to show people the beautiful side of our past and not just our future," Al Neyadi said.

Helen Wawzynski, an Australian living in Abu Dhabi, had come to see the parade. "It's remarkable to see this side of the UAE. It's a rather nice change from the fast cars and designer products," she said. The parade lasted for 30 minutes throughout the stretch of the Corniche. Several other parades are scheduled for this week in line with the week-long celebration of the UAE National Day.