UAE National Day: A trip down memory lane

As the UAE journeys from milestone to milestone, its landmark achievements over the past five decades merit a recall ahead of the 44th National Day to be celebrated on December 2.

For most residents, the trip down memory lane is not just about nostalgia, they also feel extremely grateful for where they are today. The UAE’s spectacular progress over the years since the Federation was formed has given them many reasons to cheer. Whether it is their home or host country, they would not be in any other place in the world than the emirates.

As the UAE boasts a growing list of superlatives, including the world’s tallest tower, largest theme park and busiest airport, there is an unmistakable sense of pride. XPRESS spoke to people from different backgrounds to reflect on the march of the nation through each decade, starting from the 1970s. Fond flashbacks flowed seamlessly into a momentous present, linked, like everything else in the UAE, with the reassurance of a visionary future.