Pictures: National Day celebrations begin across UAE

Students and officials at New York University Abu Dhabi join in the celebrations. Patriotic fervour has gripped the UAE as celebrations for the 48th National Day have kicked off across the country ahead of the five-day holidays.

Students at Brighton College in Dubai have a fun-filled moment. The spirit of the union is being celebrated by government departments, private entities, schools and families.

A ceremonial cake-cutting at a UAE Exchange branch. Emiratis and residents of various nationalities are attending the celebrations, waving the UAE flag and displaying their patriotism and loyalty to the country.

Students and teachers at Dubai Heights Academy soak up the occasion.

An Emirtaes airline aircraft in Year of Tolerance livery forms the backdrop as officials mark National Day at Dubai International Airport

Commemoration of 48th National Day and Martyrs’ Day at Dubai Silicon Oasis

As part of the celebrations of the 48th UAE National Day and in commemoration of Martyr’s Day, students and staff of Bright Riders School took out a Peace Rally around Dubai Investment Park 1 to spread the message of peace.

Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), and other RTA officials attend the ‘Legacy of Ancestors’ programme in Dubai to mark 48th National Day

child participates in the celebrations, along with officials, at Al Barsha Police Station in Dubai

Emirates Group celebrates the occasion with a range of activities at the group headquarters in Dubai

Humaid Al Qutami, Director-General of Dubai Health Authority, along with other senior officials, at the celebrations

Police officials soak up the occasion, along with a child, in Fujairah

A cultural programme in progress at Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Abu Dhabi