Scores of Dubai residents stepped out in tribute to Indian national hero Mahatma Gandhi during a peace walk marking the milestone 150th anniversary of his birth.
People of all ages completed an early morning march through Zabeel Park on Wednesday to celebrate the lasting legacy of the cherished figure of Indian independence.
The walk for peace and tolerance got under way at 6am, with those happy to embrace a brisker pace putting their best foot forward for a four kilometre run around the beauty spot.
The event, which drew a bumper crowd of early risers, was organised by the Consulate General of India in Dubai.
Many sported commemorative t-shirts - baring the slogan '150 years of celebrating the Mahatma - and wore broad smiles as a festive atmosphere took hold in the sprawling park.
It was just a start of a packed day of activities in honour of one of India's favourite sons.
In schools across the Emirates, pupils shone a light on the historic achievements of Gandhi by taking part in workshops to assemble solar study lamps.
Last month, Emirates Post launched a stamp to mark the landmark birth date of the inspirational figure to coincide with the official visit of Narendra Modi, the Indian Prime Minister, to the UAE.
During Mr Modi's state visit, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, said the civil rights campaigner remained a key role model for future generations.
"The national and humanitarian figures, such as the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Mahatma Gandhi, remain immortal in the memory of their peoples and the peoples of the world, as both figures represent shining models in world history as role models and for their work for the sake of peace, tolerance and coexistence among human beings," he said.
Earlier this year, an exhibition celebrating Gandhi and Sheikh Zayed, the founding father of the UAE, was opened in Abu Dhabi.
