Pride in country that comes so natural

November 3, 2015- Officials, players and children took part in a flag-raising ceremony at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain.Courtesy Al Ain FC

AL AIN // Residents of Al Ain did not just decorate their homes with the national flag – many of them decided to show their pride in their country by attaching flags to their vehicles.

Al Ain Football Club hosted a Flag Day celebration at their Hazza bin Zayed Stadium. Players, club officials and schoolchildren took part in a flag-raising ceremony before everyone was treated to a massive flag cake.

At ProVita International Medical Centre in Al Foah, patients, staff and relatives gathered to sing the National Anthem and raise the flag at midday. Helium-filled balloons in the colours of the national flag were released into the sky and there were plenty of snacks and treats for everyone.

Emirati patient Ali Shamsi, 34, said Flag Day played an important role in educating the younger generation about the history of the UAE and how the emirates joined together to form a single nation.

“It’s a very nice idea,” Mr Shamsi said. “Younger people need to be taught about our flag and nation, and about Emirati culture. We have many reasons to be proud. My country never gave up on me after I had my accident in 2000. I’ve had only five-star treatment. I’ve been sent to London and to Germany, and now I’m receiving the best possible care here in Al Ain. I have everything I need. I am happy to be a citizen of the UAE, because not all countries would have done for someone in my situation what my country has done for me. I want to thank the President, Sheikh Khalifa, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, Mohammed bin Rashid, and all the Rulers of the UAE for making me happy and proud.”

Al Ain resident Tammilee Pike, from South Africa, said that as well as Flag Day, expatriates also enjoyed National Day.

“It’s nice to see people take pride in their country,” she said. “What I like is that it’s so natural. It doesn’t seem forced at all, like it seems to be in some countries. You can tell that the pride is genuine, and that this day isn’t just an excuse to have a party.”