Dubai: A 50-metre-long UAE flag and 50 other flags were hoisted during a yacht parade for the 50th anniversary celebrations of the UAE’s unification in Dubai on Wednesday.
The second ‘UAE National Day-Marine Edition’ celebration presented a visual treat that infused patriotic love for the UAE among the participants and spectators.
Nearly 500 UAE nationals, residents and visitors participated in the event that saw a parade by a fleet of 30 yachts, seven boats and six jet skis decorated with colourful flags and balloons, the organisers said.
Paying special tributes to the UAE’s 50th anniversary a 50-metre-long flag was hoisted from a yacht docked close to Dubai’s Bluewaters Island, that symbolised the UAE’s glorious journey.
A fly boarder held one end of the flag as it waved majestically in the backdrop of the world’s largest and tallest observation wheel — Ain Dubai. National anthem played in the background infused a feeling of patriotism which was palpable in the air of Dubai Marina.
Fifty other flags were simultaneously hoisted from yachts docked at the iconic Dubai Marina.
Special honour for Indian expatriate tailor
The event also turned out to be memorable for radio contest winners for flag-hoisting ceremony, who were part of the whole cultural extravaganza.
It was a special honour for Indian expatriate tailor K. Chandran, who has been stitching the UAE flag for 43 years, to raise one of the 50 flags.
The Keralite, who landed in Ras Al Khaimah in 1978, has been stitching the country’s flag for special occasions. He has been famous for stitching mammoth flags that cover the compound walls and houses of Emiratis.
The organisers said they deemed it fit to invite Chandran as a guest to raise one of the 50 flags during the ceremony.
After the flag-hoisting ceremony, the guests were taken on a two-hour ride during which traditional Ayyala and Yowlah dancers enthralled the visitors.
Symbol of peaceful coexistence
Sheikh Abdullah Bin Majid Bin Saeed Al Nuaimi, Member of the Ruling Family and Director General of Citizens Affairs Office in Ajman, Sheikh Obaid Bin Suhail Al Maktoum, Member of the Ruling Family of Dubai, and Dr Aman Puri, Consul-General of India in Dubai attended the ceremony, the organisers said.
Dr Puri said, “My heartiest greetings to all my Emirati brothers and sisters and all UAE residents. The UAE is a symbol of peaceful coexistence and prosperity for the whole world. Today, we are also celebrating the best of the country’s values that the world can learn from.”
Shameer Mohammed Ali, managing director of D3 Yacht, said: “Being a part of Golden Jubilee celebrations is a matter of great pride for all of us. We wanted the second edition to be bigger than the first one and we succeeded in doing so. Last year, a 49-metre flag was hoisted, but this year we hoisted a 50-metre flag and around 500 special guests attended the event.”
