Al Ain/Abu Dhabi: Emiratis and expatriates got together yesterday to celebrate National Day with much pomp and gaiety.
Numerous places in Abu Dhabi were adorned with UAE flags of all sizes. Several buildings were decorated and countless balconies displayed the national colours.
Even door handles of vehicles were decorated with bow ties in flag colours.
A helicopter was seen hovering around the Corniche displaying a huge UAE flag.
Folk dances took centrestage in parks, malls, and even on the streetside. Emirati singers drew large crowds as they put up shows at the Abu Dhabi Corniche as well as in several parks and malls highlighting Emirati culture, heritage and national identity.
Everyone expressed partriotism in their own way. Some residents had their faces and hair coloured expressing nationalism.
"I want to feel the spirit of the National Day and be part of the celebration," said Roy, a Filipino, who had his hair and face painted with the UAE flag, said.
"It is a very nice feeling to participate in these events. It is a great day for everyone regardless of their nationality," said Jordanian expatriate Eisa Hosani. Meanwhile in Al Ain, thousands of residents thronged the Al Ain Heritage Village, where a dedicated area was set up to mark National Day. The Village which was open from 4pm to 10pm was enveloped in festive mood. Covering a vast area, the place echoed with national songs and traditional Arabic music and glittered with lights.
Special heritage bazaars and children play areas were also set up to offer a complete family entertainment and festivities package. A military band added to the mood of the festivities as they played traditional melodies. A firework display marked the end of the day's activities.
Ahmad Al Daheri, a young Emirati, said his family had made homemade traditional sweets to distribute to the visitors at the Village. "Today is the biggest day for us. Our jubilation and enthusiasm shows how much we love the country," he said.
The National Day, he said, is also a reminder of future responsibilities for people of the country, who enjoy and benefit from its progress and development.
The younger generations should equip themselves for the future with good education, skills and technological know-how not only to maintain the pace of development, but also to create inroads for sustainable development, said Ahmad.
