Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed hailed the 'strength and cohesion" of the UAE as thousands of proud Emiratis went on the march in honour of the country's 48th National Day.
The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces paid tribute to tradition at the annual March of the Union on Tuesday.
The event celebrates the rich legacy of Sheikh Zayed, the UAE's Founding Father, and his success in uniting the seven emirates to give birth to a nation.
-
Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Sheikh Tahnoon bin Mohamed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Ain Region, attend the Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival. Seen with Sheikh Sultan bin Hamdan bin Mohamed Al Nahyan (Back R) and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs (Back 2nd R). Abdullah Al Junaibi for the Ministry of Presidential Affairs --- -
The Al Forsan aerobatic team perform a dazzling flyby during the Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival. Mohamed Al Hammadi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs -
Thousands of tribesmen took part in the March of the Union at Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival in Abu Dhabi. All pictures by Chris Whiteoak/The National -
Colourful celebrations were held as the country came together to mark National Day -
Tribesman proudly wave the national flag as they ride camels as part of the March of the Union -
The Yafaie tribe march as Emirati traditions are upheld at the Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival -
A vast crowd turned out in force at the Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival -
A young child holds the UAE flag aloft as Emiratis came together to recognise the remarkable rise of their country -
Members of the Socotri tribe prepare to stride out for the March of the Union -
More than 100 tribes united in celebration at Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival -
The UAE's equine enthusiasm was showcased during the event -
The 48th anniversary of the formation of the United Arab Emirates was marked with a show of pomp, patriotism and pride -
The March of the Union honours the foundation of the United Arab Emirates -
The Yafaie tribe pay tribute to rich Emirati tradition -
The March of the Union proved to be a colourful carnival of culture -
Tribes participate in the Union March, during the Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival. Rashed Al Mansoori / Ministry of Presidential Affairs -
Horsemen thrill the packed crowds during the Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival. Hamad Al Mansoori for the Ministry of Presidential Affairs -
Camel riders fly the national flag during the March of the Union. Abdullah Al Neyadi for the Ministry of Presidential Affairs -
A sea of red, white, green and black made for an impressive sight for thousands in attendance at the Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival. Eissa Al Hammadi for the Ministry of Presidential Affairs -
(L-R) Rear Admiral Pilot Sheikh Saeed bin Hamdan bin Mohamed Al Nahyan, Commander of the UAE Naval Forces, Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Major General Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy National Security Adviser, member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Office and Sheikh Mohamed bin Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, watch the Union March during the Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival. Hamad Al Kaabi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs
The march, organised by the Ministry of Presidential Affairs, drew huge crowds from all corners of the Emirates.
Sheikh Mohamed said the country's history is a source of 'pride' for its people.
“I witnessed today the March of the Union, in which the children of the UAE took part on the occasion of the country’s 48th National Day," wrote Sheikh Mohamed on Twitter.
“The strength and cohesion of the sons of the UAE, and their connection to their heritage and the values of their [country’s] founders is our source of happiness and pride.”
The march was held as part of the Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival, in Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi.
People all over the country rejoiced on Monday as celebratory events were held to mark the milestone unification date.
UAE leaders, led by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai and Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince, attended an enthralling theatrical production held at Zayed Sports City Stadium paying homage to Emirati heritage.
Thousands turned out to attend spectacular firework displays and concerts to display their patriotic pride, with many more flag-waving residents gathering in the streets from Dubai to Sharjah and Abu Dhabi to Ras Al Khaimah to mark the occasion at impromptu gatherings.
