Corniche Festival enthrals residents

Abu Dhabi: Dozens of girls dressed in traditional Emirati costumes watched excitedly as beautiful henna designs took shape on their hands. Nearby, a volunteer taught children about first-aid techniques while a stilt walker regaled a crowd with his antics.

Considered to be one of the capital's most prominent features, the Abu Dhabi Corniche was transformed into a riot of colours and sounds to mark 40th National Day.

Celebrations ranging from traditional to modern have been attracting residents from all walks of life to the 1.7-kilometre stretch along the corniche.

"I love the atmosphere here, and have been volunteering for three years in a row so that I can be part of these wonderful festivities," Bandar Al Hajeri, a 23-year-old Emirati student, told Gulf News. Al Hajeri is part of a team of volunteers from the Emirates Foundation of Philanthropy's Takatof programme that is reaching out to teach children at the festival about basic safety techniques.

Five zones

The Corniche Festival, which began on Wednesday, is due to conclude tomorrow. According to a statement sent earlier by the National Day Celebration Committee, nearly 300,000 people are expected to visit the beachfront location during this period.

The stretch has been divided into five zones that represent different elements of Emirati life and celebrate the Spirit of Union: namely, Ambition, Tradition, Celebration, Imagination and Innovation. Each zone includes particular exhibitions and traditions, while street performers entertain the audience.

"I saw artists who had created 3D chalk paintings on the ground," said Muna Abdullah, 26, from Kenya.

"The paintings were displayed in the Ambition section, and they truly inspire you to achieve more yourself," she added.

Fashion shows depicting traditional Emirati clothing from all across the UAE are also a daily feature of the corniche celebrations, as are choreographed water shows set to traditional music.

A series of dazzling firework displays in the evenings have also enthralled the crowds thronging to the corniche every day.

"I think I have learnt a lot about the Emirati culture after visiting the corniche. For the first time, I also tried out Emirati sweets," said Robert Hugg, an 11-year-old student from Canada.

"I really enjoyed watching the traditional dances, and would love to come back tomorrow," added his friend, 11-year-old Jonas Kurtn from Belgium.