Red, green, white, black … driven by love of UAE

Emiratis and expatriates express loyalty to nation and Rulers with car decorations, but police warn not to get too carried away.

Anoop Majeed watches closely as his vehicle is decked out in UAE colours for National Day. Jeffrey E Biteng / The National

ABU DHABI // Residents have started decorating their cars with the UAE flag, photos of Rulers and symbols of national pride ahead of National Day.

Emirati mother of two Hana Al Thehli, 34, chose to have portraits of Sheikh Zayed, the Founding Father, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, covering the rear windscreen of her Lexus.

Ms Al Thehli picked the UAE flag to cover the bonnet and a few stickers to adorn the windows.

“I’d like to keep it simple this year,” she said. “We also need to follow the rules when decorating our cars.”

Car accessory shops use a sticky plastic material with a picture on the outside that still allows the driver to see where he is going.

Saif Mohammed, 41, an Iranian who supervises nine staff at Abu Dhabi Auto Upholstery and Accessories shop, said customers began visiting his shop as early as November 23.

The decals range in price from about Dh100 for a small panel up to Dh900 for full-body cover on sedans and Dh1,300 on 4x4s.

Last week, Abu Dhabi traffic police issued guidelines for car decorations. Patriotic slogans and images are allowed as long as the driver’s view is not obscured.

But sitting on the roof, bonnet or back of a moving car is strictly prohibited.

Modifying a vehicle’s engine to make it louder is against the law, as is changing the colour or blurring licence plates, said Brig Ali Al Dhaheri, director general of Abu Dhabi police operations.

Every year, motorists spend a fortune on vehicle decorations.

“People don’t think about the money to show the whole world we are united and that we really appreciate our Government and our Rulers,” Ms Al Thehli said.

“I’m so proud to be a UAE national. The UAE has achieved so much in such a short time. Emirati women continue to shine in various sectors.”

National Day also gives expatriates a chance to show their love and appreciation for the country.

Anoop Majeed on Monday picked the UAE flag to cover the bonnet of his black Dodge Nitro.

Portraits of Sheikh Zayed, President Sheikh Khalifa and Sheikh Mohammed adorned the side and rear windows. Both side mirrors had stickers in the national colours, while “I love the UAE” was stuck on his car door.

“I’ve been decorating my car for the past nine years because I love the UAE,” said Mr Majeed, 36, the human resources manager at Lulu Group. “We are all grateful for what this country has given us and we are blessed to be living in peace and harmony.”

Ahmad Beker, 36, an Egyptian property sales manager, said: “I love everything about the UAE. This is our way of expressing our love and gratitude to the UAE.

“I’ve spent 14 years in Abu Dhabi and I thank the UAE for providing for my children a safe and secure place to live in.”

Mr Beker also chose portraits of Sheikh Zayed, Sheikh Khalifa and Sheikh Mohammed to cover the windows of his Audi Q5.

“I admire Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, a good man who’s so loved by his people,” he said. “Like Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Khalifa, he is known for his humanitarian and charitable initiatives.”

Sami Sweed, 34, a sales manager at a furniture shop, had his cousin’s Honda Accord decorated at Harakat Auto Accessories on Salam Street, which charges Dh1,200 to cover the body of an SUV and between Dh1,000 and Dh1,200 for a sedan.

But this year, cars with plate numbers bearing the number 45 will be decorated for free, said general manager Rafaa Shahin.

“My Range Rover is all decked up for National Day and my cousin is so fortunate to have decorations on his car for free,” said Mr Sweed, a Palestinian.

“We’re doing this every year because we’re happy to be here, and this Government deserves all the love and respect.”