Rulers of the UAE, the Arab world and citizens alike attended parades in celebration of the UAE’s 43rd National Day.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, attended the National Flag celebration at the Breakwater in Abu Dhabi.
“On this festive day, the Emiratis express their loyalty and gratitude to the founding fathers who, with the help of Allah Almighty, believed in the idea of the Federation,” Sheikh Mohamed said in his remarks during the celebration.
The parade included the UAE National flag being raised, the UAE national anthem played and a procession of the Guard of Honour.
He added that had it not been for the determination of men who had turned the UAE into the country it is today, this national flag would not have fluttered or remained so high.
“Today we remember the strong will and determination of the founding father of the nation, the late Sheikh Zayed, and his brothers, the co-founders, who made huge efforts to overcome the immense hardships and counter the challenges,” said Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai.
The celebration coincided with the arrival of the “March of the Union,” which began in Fujairah and and passed through each emirate of the UAE, arriving in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.
Sailboats, fishing boats and ships flying the UAE flag and displaying pictures of the UAE leaders arrived at the Breakwater where they performed a dazzling sea parade, concluding a 10-day journey during where they passed by the coasts of all seven of the country’s emirates.
At the grandstand of the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre a military parade was attended by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, King Mohammed VI of Morocco, and other dignitaries.
Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, also attended the grand celebration which was organised at the Adnec grandstand.
Sheikha Fatima praised the performance of the youth who joined the National Service earlier this year and lauded the celebration, which she said expressed a sense of patriotism on National Day.
She was accompanied by a number of Sheikhas and Emirati women’s leaders.
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