UAE tribes take part in Union Parade - in pictures
People from tribes across the UAE prepare to take part in the Union Parade, during the Sheikh Zayed Festival at Al Wathba. Pawan Singh / The National
UAE Air Force jets perform aerobatics during the Union Parade. Pawan Singh / The National
Emiratis from 120 tribes gather for the Union Parade at the Sheikh Zayed Festival in Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi. Pawan Singh / The National
Members of the Al Awaleq tribes take part in festivities. Pawan Singh / The National
Members of the Bani Kateb tribes. Pawan Singh / The National
Members of the Al Shehi tribes. Pawan Singh / The National
The occasion is a celebration of culture, heritage and tradition. Pawan Singh / The National
Members of the Al Rashid tribes take part in the parade. Pawan Singh / The National
Al Wathba is transformed for a few months every year to host the annual cultural jamboree. Pawan Singh / The National
Members of the Al Ahbab tribes. Pawan Singh / The National
Members of the Bani Tamim tribes. Pawan Singh / The National
Members of the Al Mura tribes. Pawan Singh / The National
Members of the Al Khawater tribes. Pawan Singh / The National
Members of the Bani Shameili tribes. Pawan Singh / The National
Members of the Al Shehi tribes. Pawan Singh / The National
Drummers from Al Dhahouri tribes ready for the Union Parade at Al Wathba
A portrait of Khamis Al Saadi before the start of Union Parade held at the Sheikh Zayed Festival in Al Wathba
Monser Al Karbi represents his tribe in his county's colours before the start of Union Parade
Members of Al Zaabi tribes at the start of Union Parade held at Sheikh Zayed Festival in Al Wathba in Abu Dhabi
Patriotic pride from members of Al Dhahouri tribes honouring the culture and tradition of the Emirates. About 120 tribes gathered at Al Wathba and thousands of people came to watch, learn and admire as tribesmen in national dress carried ceremonial daggers, swords and UAE flags
A portrait of Rahma Al Zaabi before the start of the Union Parade at Al Wathba in Abu Dhabi
The UAE's colours and dagger worn together by a tribesman at Al Wathba
An Al Dhahouri tribesman at Al Wathba. One Union Parade participant spoke of the tribes' place in strengthening national identity, saying 'We are here to show our unity of heritage and shared destiny.'
Members of Al Dhahouri tribes
Saif Al Dhahouri prepares for the Union Parade
A gathering of members of Al Zaabi tribes before the start of Union Parade. One tribesman said: 'We bring young people from our tribe to know what the parade is about and to carry our message to other generations.'
Members of Al Saadi tribes
Saif Al Dhahouri prepares for the Union Parade held at Sheikh Zayed Festival in Al Wathba in Abu Dhabi
Members of Al Karbi tribes before the start of Union Parade held at Sheikh Zayed Festival in Al Wathba in Abu Dhabi
Tribesman from across the UAE ready for the Union Parade
