Residents pay tribute to young nation

Dubai: Beautiful lights and coloured flags fill the cold, rain-washed streets of the UAE, as it celebrates its thirty-seventh National Day.

On this same day in 1971, the rulers of the seven emirates decided to unite and become the United Arab Emirates at it is now.

Today, not only the nationals celebrate what this country has achieved in such a short time, but also the people of the many different nationalities who live in this land.

In the past three decades, with the vision and leadership of the country's governance along with the people of the UAE, it has turned from a harsh desert into a green, modern country filled with architectural marvels. Gulf News readers tell the newspaper about the emotions this moment inspires.

Ahmad Al Marzouqi, a 22-year old UAE National talks about the country's impressive growth.

He said: "UAE is one of the fastest developing countries in the world and this development has raised the country economically and technologically."

No words can describe the feelings of the UAE nationals towards their country on this day. Aisha Mohammad, a 23-year-old UAE national, happily agreed. She said: "This day is a chance for people around the UAE to celebrate. Parties take place all around the UAE marking this occasion. We are proud of this country and we hope we make it proud of us too."

Shaikha Al Sarkal, a 21-year old UAE national is similarly filled with gratitude on this day.

She said: "This is a joyful day for every UAE national since we are commemorating the great achievements of Shaikh Zayed and Shaikh Rashid and all that they did for us."

Geetam Kapur, an Indian expatriate who has been living here for 28 years and a dedicated Gulf News reader shares her warm sentiments on this day.

"It has been a pleasure living here. When I first came to the UAE it was so simple, and I watched it grow into the beautiful place that it is today," she said.

"I have spent a longer period of my life here in the UAE than in my own country, India. My children were born and raised here and to them this is home. It is also a safe country and has provided my family and me with the best in health, education and other life facilities. It is simply the best of two worlds."

The UAE with its rich cultural mix continues to be an attraction for people from all over the world.

Lorna Addicott, a 26-year-old English expatriate who has been in the UAE for a year and a half, loves it.

"The UAE is an exciting place with a lot of opportunities... Overall, the UAE is a very hospitable place, which makes it easy to feel settled and at home."