How the UAE marked US Independence Day at home and in space

The Burj Khalifa turned red, white and blue as Sultan Al Neyadi paid tribute from the International Space Station

Sultan Al Neyadi marked US Independence Day celebrations by posting images of the Great Salt Lake and the San Francisco Bay Salt Ponds taken from space. Photo: Sultan Al Neyadi

The UAE marked America's Independence Day in spectacular style – both at home and 400km above Earth on the International Space Station.

Dubai's Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, was bathed in red, white and blue for a towering tribute to the July 4 holiday.

It was one of a number of landmarks across the Emirates decked out in the American national colours.

The US flag was also proudly on display at Adnoc's headquarters in Abu Dhabi.

Emirati astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi offered his own best wishes from the ISS, sharing two pictures of the country's landscape.

"Happy 4th of July to all my American friends! Sharing with you some snapshots of nature’s artistry from this beautiful land I’ve had the privilege to call home and made some great memories," Dr Al Neyadi said.

"The photos are of the Great Salt Lake in Utah and San Francisco Bay Salt Ponds."

President Sheikh Mohamed sent a message of congratulations to US counterpart Joe Biden on the occasion, state news agency Wam reported on Tuesday.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court, sent similar messages to the US president.

American Independence Day commemorates the Declaration of Independence, which was ratified on July 4, 1776, heralding the birth of the US and its separation from the British Empire.

Independence Day celebrations - in pictures

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  Fireworks on the boardwalk at New York's historic Coney Island. Photo: Bob Jagendorf

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  Face-painting is often a US holiday tradition. Photo: US National Archives

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  The National Archives celebrates Independence Day with musical performances, a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence, and history-related family activities, this time in 2019 in Washington DC. Nara Photo by Jeffrey Reed.

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  Washington Nationals Racing Presidents stop at the National Archives to shoot a new fourth-inning race introduction video, where they were met by US Archivist David Ferriero.

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  Visitors read the US Constitution on display at the National Archives in Washington.

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  The skyrockets' red glare lights up the Washington Monument. Photo: Joseph Gruber

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  The National Archives celebrates Independence Day with musical performances, a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence, and history-related family activities on July 4, 2019, in Washington DC. NARA Photo by Jeffrey Reed.

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  A man and his patriotic dog show their civic pride. Photo Faith Goble

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  Role players recreate a scene from 1776 for an audience outside Washington's National Archives. Photo: US National Archives

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  Disneyland's Space Mountain and an epic fireworks display. Photo: Don Sullivan

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  The National Archives celebrates Independence Day with musical performances, a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence, and history-related family activities on July 4, 2019 in Washington DC. NARA Photo by Ted Chaffman.

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  Costumed role players participate in Washington's Independence Day tradition. Photo: US National Archives

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  Independence Day in the US is celebrated from coast to coast. Photo: US Army

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  Flag-bearing Fourth of July revellers rumble through the streets of middle America. Photo: Ken Mattison

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  Macy's department store hosts one of the nation's largest displays of fireworks on New York's East River. Photo: Dan Nguyen

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  A four-legged American shows its colours. Photo: Randy Robertson

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  Parades throughout the streets of America are a Fourth of July tradition and give classic car owners a chance to strut their stuff. Photo: Robert Couse-Baker

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  Residents of Berkeley, California, enjoy an evening of pyrotechnics. Photo: Daniel Parks

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  A giant bald eagle balloon makes its way through Washington and past the National Archives. Photo: US National Archives

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  The National Archives hosts an annual Independence Day celebration with musical performances, a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence, and history-related family activities. Photo: US National Archives

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  An air dancer by the National Archives on the Fourth of July in Washington. Photo: US National Archives

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  The National Mall, with Washington monuments and the US Capitol in the background, forms a beautiful and patriotic backdrop to America's Independence Day celebrations. Photo: Carol Highsmith