AJMAN // Everyone from government workers to students, police and the public are rejoicing about 42 years of union – and praying for many more to come.
Ajman’s police chief and his deputy led a parade on Corniche Road on Sunday attended by senior and junior officers surrounded by patrol cars and motorbikes.
Cheers greeted the national anthem, played by the police band, as officers handed out flags, scarves and other small gifts.
“Today has a great value in the hearts of every Emirati and UAE resident,” said Brig Gen Ali Alwan, the chief of Ajman Police.
“It is a translation of the love, loyalty and belonging to the UAE under the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, whose efforts are supportive of Emiratis and expats.”
His deputy, Brig Sheikh Sultan bin Abdullah Al Nuaimi, described the parade as “an interpretation of the strong bond we have with our home and united land, formed by the late Sheikh Zayed and protected by Sheikh Khalifa, the President, and his brothers, the Rulers of the emirates”.
At the traffic-police headquarters, a short documentary about National Day was shown, followed by the recital of several poems describing love for the country, and dancing by schoolchildren.
Ajman Tourism Department put its own unique spin on the day’s celebrations by creating a giant mosaic made out of greeting cards bearing the slogan, Union Spirit.
The department wanted to set a world record for the biggest greeting card and needed about 4,000 people to take part if the bid was to succeed.
Government workers, police officers, private companies and members of the public all joined in the attempt, which was overseen by a representative from Guinness World Records.
It was confirmed on Sunday night that the attempt had been successful and Ajman had set a world record.
Not to be outdone, Ajman Municipality unveiled a panoramic gallery featuring historic images of the emirate and demonstrating how it had developed over the past 42 years.
Municipality staff gave gifts to the public and hosted visits by the Mom and Dad English Nursery and Al Amani Kindergarten, whose children congratulated Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, the head of the municipality and son of the Ruler of Ajman, Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid.
The children met the Sheikh and employees of the municipality before receiving gifts and singing patriotic songs.
Some recited poems for the nation, the emirate, the Rulers and the flag.
Songs, plays, contests and magic shows were part of Ajman Civil Defence’s celebrations at the Corniche, attended by hundreds of people.
“The joy of having one family and one home, and a more prosperous future under the umbrella of the union, is the feeling of every single Emirati,” said Col Saleh Saeed Al Matroushi, the director general of Ajman Civil Defence.
Driving down Corniche Road, flags decorated each side from one end to the other. Lights in the shape of the number seven with the word “union” adorned every lamppost.
Drivers honked their horns as they drove by, many with UAE flags flapping from their rooftops.
People of every nationality attended the celebrations and expressed their happiness.
Thousands of people gathered on the Corniche to listen to traditional songs and to watch a play documenting the formation of the union.
Women and children in their hundreds carried flags and entered contests about the history of the country.
Children wearing Emirati clothes were invited to the stage to take part, singing “how precious you are my country, I knit the sun rays for your eyes”.
A giant video monitor beside the side of the Corniche played documentary clips about the country, its formation, its progress and its people and traditions.
Mariam Al Mansouri, head of events at the Ajman Executive Council, said the events would continue on Monday with more contests and prizes to be given away to winners.
At Ajman City Centre, more people gathered, forming a ring and listening to questions and answers about the union.
In every corner and every hall at Ajman University there was a tent or exhibition treating visitors to Emirati food, showcasing traditional weapons and offering lessons on the country’s history and heritage.
Sheikh Humaid launched the celebrations at the university by hoisting the flag before leading a march on the campus.
The university’s vice-president, Osama Saeed Salman, described the proceedings as “a celebration of unity in a time of separation, a celebration of building up in a time of wrecking down, a celebration of safety and security in a time of war. It’s a celebration of real renaissance”.
salamir@thenational.ae
* The article has been amended since it was first published to reflect that Ajman University’s vice-president, Osama Saeed Salman, made the remarks in the last paragraph of the story.