Al Ain: More than 80 thousand visitors thronged the Al Ain Heritage Village to mark the 39th National Day of the UAE, on Thursday and share the joyful ocassion. Festivities will run until Saturday.
The village covering a vast area glittered with colourful lights and echoed with patriotic songs and music. People, both Emiratis and expatriates, had come from all over the emirates to celebrate the National Day activities. "We were amazed to see the response," said an official of Al Ain Municipality that established the Village.
The heritage village will be open from 4pm to 10pm for three days until today. The visitors also enjoyed free gifts and sweets.
The activities at the village included a wonderful display of laser lights, music and images reflecting the culture, traditions, and history of the UAE, musical fountains, poetry recital, dances, acrobatic shows, and national songs. Some popular national and international singers and bands also performed at the village.
A small zoo inside the village attracted a large number of children and adult visitors, too. Special heritage bazaars and children's play areas have been set up.
A daily fireworks show marks the end of the day's activities. The entry to the heritage village is free.
Reem Al Shamsi, an Emirati woman, said this is a big occasion for everybody who lives in the UAE as they are benefiting from the country's fast track development. "Marking the National Day with jubilation and enthusiasm shows how much we love to our motherland," she added.
