The UAE has been held up as a model country for others in the region to follow as the country marks its 47th National Day on Sunday.
On social media, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr Anwar Gargash, posted a message marking the occasion and encouraging residents to celebrate the nation's shared prosperity.
“Today we celebrate one of the most successful political unions in history: the UAE,” he said.
“Our founding principles of shared prosperity and rejection of extremism have delivered 47 years of progress. It is a model for others in a troubled region. #UAENationalDay”
Celebrations marking 47 years since the birth of the UAE as a nation nation are taking place across the country on Sunday and Monday.
The celebrations were not just restricted to within the UAE, as New York lit up to mark the occasion.
The Nasdaq screen in Times Square beamed a video containing the UAE flag and an image of the founding rulers.
In Dubai, property developer Nakheel is hosting free events from 4pm to 9pm at Palm Jumeirah, the Jumeirah Park, Jumeirah Village Triangle and Circle as well as The Gardens.
Events will celebrate Emirati tradition and culture, with Yola and Al Ayala dances, henna, falcon displays, camel and pony rides, magic shows and kids' arts and crafts, with balloons, Arabic sweets and other treats as giveaways.
“Our annual National Day celebrations are always a big draw for residents of our communities and the wider Dubai public,” said Fawzi El Shehhi, managing director or Nakheel Community Management and Planning.
“With a long weekend ahead, we look forward to welcoming thousands of people – from all nationalities and age groups – as we mark 47 years of UAE independence on Sunday.”
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Two Emirati Al Ayyala dancers walk with their canes as part of the UAE National Day programme of events at the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Antonie Robertson/The National -
Emirati poet Salem Shukri Alattas performs. Antonie Robertson/The National -
Falconry is on display for visitors. Antonie Robertson/The National -
Traditional fishing baskets are on display. Antonie Robertson/The National -
Traditional Emirati patterned hand weaving is on show. Antonie Robertson/The National -
A craftswoman engages in traditional basket weaving. Antonie Robertson/The National -
An Emirati weaves fishing nets. Antonie Robertson/The National -
An Emirati weaves fishing nets. Antonie Robertson/The National -
Traditional baskets are on display. Antonie Robertson/The National
The Central Galleria at Mall of the Emirates will host a story-telling event with actors performing a brief history of the nation.
The show will take audiences to the beginning of the time when Bedouin tribes lived across the Gulf.
The production will be followed by artists performing a contemporary dance while visitors can also see live replicas of Bedouin tents and tools at a small heritage village.
Many shopping and entertainment spots will also celebrate the anniversary, as cultural bands perform at Mall of the Emirates, City Walk 2 and Deira City Centre throughout the two days.
Traditional Arabic music will be performed live by Emirati musicians.
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Read more:
WATCH: National Day celebrations take to the skies
18 artworks that sum up what National Day means to those who call the UAE home
National Day: An occasion to look to UAE’s glittering future
