Watch: American expats in UAE mark US National Day early by celebrating US-UAE ties

Dubai: Hundreds of American expats, diplomats, officials, and friends of the US gathered in Dubai on Tuesday night to celebrate the 249th US National Day, by celebrating the long-term ties between the US and the UAE.

The US Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate in Dubai held an early celebration of the Fourth of July, the day in 1776 when the US declared independence from Great Britain, considering the summer weather in July, when many Americans are usually away on vacation.

The chief guest of the event was Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications. The official ceremony began with a performance by the National Youth Orchestra, followed by a “marching on and marching off the colours” ceremony by the US Marine Corps Security Guards.

Strong partnership

US Ambassador to the UAE, Martina Strong, highlighted the strong partnership between the US and the UAE, noting their shared values and entrepreneurial spirit. She reflected on the decades-long collaboration between the two nations, built on mutual respect and trust. “The defining feature of our enduring partnership is the friendships and bonds we have developed over the past six decades,” she said, highlighting the contributions of both nations in areas such as technology, medicine, defence, space and culture.

Strong also acknowledged the significant presence of over 1,500 US companies in the UAE and tens of thousands of US citizens living here. She praised the UAE’s long-standing commitment to peace coexistence ever since the times of its Founding Father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and cited the Abrahamic Family House as a milestone in promoting coexistence.

“It’s a message that gives our shared endeavours momentum and direction,” she pointed out.

The envoy also highlighted the importance of the high-level visits between the two countries that have further strengthened bilateral ties.

Unified vision

Consul General of the US in Dubai and Northern Emirates, Robert Raines, said he has been consistently impressed by the pace, scale, and significance of the work done together with the partners here since his arrival here six months ago.

“From AI to space, energy, and cutting-edge health and educational programmes, the collaboration between our countries is truly remarkable. However, what impresses me the most is the generosity of the welcome I’ve received.”

He said Dubai is an extraordinary city. “But it’s so much more than its buildings and infrastructure. It’s the people — visionary, hardworking, innovative, and welcoming — who make this place so special. I’ve met some of the most inspiring individuals in my career here.”

He hailed the relationship between the US and the UAE as “deep and enduring, built on shared values and a mutual commitment to prosperity and security.” “It’s a relationship grounded in a unified vision of what we can achieve together, driven by innovation, opportunity, and the belief in what is possible,” he added.

Celebrating in US vs in UAE

Speaking to Gulf News, Professor Stephen Wilhite, a senior educationist with the American University of Ras Al Khaimah, highlighted the unique nature of celebrating the US National Day in the UAE.

“In the US, the focus is on celebrating independence from Great Britain. Here, the focus is on celebrating the values of liberty, justice, and the pursuit of happiness, which are universal and resonate globally and it about celebrating our collaboration with the UAE, advancing common goals,” he said. He pointed out that while Independence Day in the US typically involves barbecues, fireworks, and concerts and appreciated the event’s inclusivity in the UAE, bringing together people from various countries.

Marjorie Rose, a retired physiotherapist from Philadelphia, who is on her second visit to the UAE, attended the celebration here for the first time. Noting the difference in timing, she said: “It’s interesting that they’re doing it in February.”

While she typically celebrates the Fourth of July with family and friends in Philadelphia, where large events are held at the river and in front of the art museum, she appreciated the way it is celebrated early here. “This shows a great collaboration between the two countries. It [the celebrations] will be a very big deal on the 250th [year] and I am looking forward to that,” added Rose. Mixture of cultures

Emirati businessman from Abu Dhabi, Rashed Al Mheiri, who attended the event with his family, spoke about the multifaceted relationship between the UAE and the US. Al Mheiri also praised the UAE’s openness to diverse cultures, stating that the country has fostered an environment where people from different backgrounds live harmoniously. “The UAE has a mixture of cultures that we welcome, and we are truly capable of living together without any issues. This event is yet another proof for that,” he said.