Union Parade at Sheikh Zayed Festival in Al Wathba - in pictures
President Sheikh Mohamed and Sheikh Tahnoon bin Mohamed Al Nahyan, the Ruler's Representative in Al Ain, depart the Union Parade, during the Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival. Photo: Abdullah Al Junaibi for the UAE Presidential Court
Emiratis from 120 tribes gather for the Union Parade at the Sheikh Zayed Festival in Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi. All photos by Antonie Robertson / The National
Tribe members carry a portrait of President Sheikh Mohamed.
Aerobatic jets fill the skies with the national colours.
The occasion is a celebration of culture, heritage and tradition.
Citizens celebrate their tribal identities and come together as one, as the Union did 51 years ago.
An Emirati on the parade ground smiles as he carries the name of his tribe.
The Union Parade is a highlight of 10 days of cultural celebrations at Al Wathba festival.
Emiratis, members of the Al Dhuhoori Tribe from between Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah, prepare for the parade.
Members of the Al Alawi tribe from Al Ain. The Sheikh Zayed Festival is one of the UAE’s largest cultural events.
Emiratis prepare for the UAE Union Parade at the festival.
Members of the Al Shehi Tribe from Ras Al Khaimah. The festival celebrates the country’s history and cultural heritage.
Al Wathba is transformed for a few months every year to host the annual cultural jamboree.
Organisers say this year's event is bigger than anything staged here before.
