Sharjah Corniche merges culture with entertainment

SHARJAH // Large fleets of cars blew their horns as they snaked along the Sharjah Corniche as Emiratis and expatriates united to celebrate the UAE's 40th National Day.

The marches that began around 4.30pm have continued throughout the evening, as cars decorated in UAE colours moved along the corniche with traffic police present.

The corniche was also overwhelmed by pedestrians and families who congregated to have lunch at the celebrations.

"This shows how the UAE is becoming strong and powerful uniting the locals with expatriates to celebrate a nation's achievements," said reveller Ali Al Serkal. "Our fathers did not leave to see this victory but we are testimony to a good vision they had when forming a union."

"It is a celebration for mostly Emirati women. They have achieved a lot under the right leadership of Sheikh Khalifa and recently he allowed our children from foreign fathers to have UAE citizenship. That means a UAE woman is equal to a man," said Manal Al Katbi, a woman at the celebrations.

"The union started with a good cause and this is why it has survived for four decades with a lot of achievements," said Saif Al Marzouqi, another resident celebrating.

At Al Qasba celebrations merged culture with entertainment. There were traditional dances, fire works displays and Emirati artworks and paintings.