SHARJAH // National Park was a fitting destination for hundreds of Emiratis and expatriates on Wednesday.
A flood of red, green, white and black covered the open spaces of the emirate’s largest park as families enjoyed the public holiday and the balmy winter weather.
Picnics were set up around the park beside Al Dhaid Road, which also hosted live performances of the traditional Emirati Razafat and yola dance as well as cultural and heritage displays and henna painting tents for women and girls.
Jamal Al Hosni visited the park with his wife and two children. “We decided to come here to enjoy the lovely weather and the public holiday, my kids have been wearing UAE-coloured scarves and holding the flag since early morning,“ said the 31-year-old Emirati.
The Al Azra resident said the day was a symbol of pride and honour for citizens.
“I love National Day. It’s the day that all Emiratis live under one banner and one Ruler.”
Khlood Khalid, 14, and her 13-year-old brother Khalifah sported UAE flag’s painted on their cheeks.
“We came with our parents to watch the dances and performances in the park to celebrate National Day,” said Khlood, who enjoyed tucking into the traditional Emirati foods and desserts prepared at cooking stations around the park.
Issa Al Sheihi and his brother came to Sharjah to perform for visitors as part of a yola dance group.
“We have been doing Emirati dances for the families in the park, it was so beautiful to see everyone enjoying the dances and singing with us,” said the 32-year-old who travelled from Fujairah.
Fatima Ali was celebrating National Day with her three-year-old twin boys. “The weather is beautiful and the atmosphere is fun and full of happiness and joy. When you look around you see everyone is enjoying their time.
“It’s been 44 years of the Union, and the country is now one of the leading countries in the region – and the world.
“Any person will be proud for the accomplishment of their country in a relatively short amount of time.”
In the city centre, young Emirati boys dressed in kandoras ran through the streets holding scarves in the colours of the UAE flag, excitedly greeting passers- by with waves and shouts, while shoppers at MegaMall were offered Emirati food and watched dance performances.
For those looking for a more cultural celebration, an operetta called “A Nation of Hope” was staged at Flag Island.
The show told the story of the creation of the UAE and its strides of success the nation has taken to be ranked among the most developed countries in the world.
As the sun set, crowds of people went to the Al Majaz Waterfront with the area’s restaurants and cafes enjoying a brisk trade with tourists and residents making the most of the cool weather to dine outside.
tzriqat@thenational.ae
