'We are one tribe': Emiratis celebrate UAE culture and tradition at annual Union Parade

Event serves as a colourful finale to the country's National Day celebrations

Thousands of tribesmen from across the UAE marched together to commemorate the birth of the nation at the annual Union Parade on Saturday.

The colourful gathering, held each year as part of the Sheikh Zayed Festival in Abu Dhabi's Al Wathba area, is one of the highlights of the UAE's Eid Al Etihad festivities. Patriotic pride was on full display during a spectacular show paying homage to the culture, values and beloved traditions of the Emirates.

President Sheikh Mohamed was among the crowd of thousands enjoying a wide variety of performances, including a horse riding show and a dazzling aerial display from Emirati jets which blazed across the skies.

Sheikh Mohamed was joined by Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, President of Mauritania, for the show, which included a performance by a Mauritanian tribe.

A staple of the spectacular event is the March of the Union, which featured about 120 tribes. Many tribesmen gathered in national attire, carrying daggers, swords and UAE flags, as they chanted in support of their country and its leaders.

Members of the Al Shihuh tribe performed Nadba, a traditional Emirati battle cry that has transformed from a call to war into one for peace, unity and celebration.

The joyful occasion offers a glimpse into the rich family ties and tradition that bind the many tribes of the Emirates, who reflect the UAE's rich and deep-rooted heritage.

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

“During the march, Emiratis affirm they are the country’s protective shield, safeguarding the homeland and preserving its achievements,” said Monser Nasser Nasser Al Karbi, 72, an Emirati from Al Ain.

“It’s a country's joy. We celebrate every year in this parade. As our President Sheikh Mohamed said, all tribes in the UAE are one tribe," he added.

Senior Emiratis like Mr Al Karbi witnessed the transformative years under the leadership of the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who united the seven emirates and established a modern nation proud of its history.

"Our visionary leaders changed the country for better based on their wisdom,” he said.

Khamis Saeed Al Saadi is a member of the Al Saadi tribe. Pawan Singh / The National

For Khamis Al Saadi, 50, the parade reflects highest meanings of love and loyalty to the UAE and its rulers.

“It is a national initative that we celebrate proudly every year. UAE is marching towards a prosperous future under our wise leadership,” said Mr Al Saadi.

“We are here to show our unity of heritage and shared destiny.”

Tribesman Rahma Hussain Al Zaabi spoke of the importance of honouring the country's traditions. Pawan Singh / The National

Rahma Hussain Al Zaabi, 50, said the parade is an opportunity for younger generations to learn about how the tribes and families united.

“All tribes are coming to participate in the parade, to pay respect and show allegiance to the UAE rulers. It is a living testimony to profound loyalty, belonging, and sincere love for the homeland and leaders. We bring young people from our tribe so that they learn what the parade is about and carry our message to future generations,” Mr Al Zaabi said.

“It is our duty to participate every year in the parade. Every tribe in the country comes to this national gathering in front of our leaders to show our unity.”

“It is a moment that will last in our hearts forever.”