It is 'a birthday for every UAE national'

Ras Al Khaimah: Emiratis and expatriates here labelled the UAE as a land of security and the ultimate symbol of opportunity.

"Our dream of creating a modern country would never have been fulfilled without the formation of the UAE Federation," said Maryam Al Shehi, a school principal.

To her UAE National Day is an annual opportunity to review the country's history and learn lessons.

"Even if I was on a business trip, I would insist on going back to the UAE for National Day," said Abdul Razaq Al Yousuf, managing director for a national company.

Emiratis and expatriates expect this year to witness tremendous change, he said.

"We hope that this National Day will be a starting point for the UAE to bolster its relationships with all the countries in the world, and to enjoy more prosperity and development," he said.

"Emiratis are becoming creative in celebrating National Day and preparations usually take place a couple of months before the occasion," said Sultan Al Saleh, a local department employee.

"Young Emiratis decorate their vehicles with pictures of leaders, national slogans, UAE maps and flags and organise in coordination with the authorities vehicle processions all over the country," he said.

Emiratis in the remote area of Shaam have made a huge flag which will be placed on a mountain to become a landmark, he said.

Saeed Al Dhori, a local department employee said: "We were blessed when we had leaders who made the impossible and formed the only federation in the Arab world.

"When we travel abroad, we wear our national dress to let people know we are the children of the UAE Federation which the late Shaikh Zayed created... every Emirati knows in the bottom of their heart that without the federation they are nobody," he said.

"National Day is a birthday for every Emirati where December 2 is engraved on their hearts and minds. On this day, we tell the world the UAE was born and we deserve to be congratulated," said Ahmad Al Rahbi, a local department employee.

"We will live, and so will our children, in love and defend the UAE Federation," said Arif Al Zaabi, a public department employee.