As the sun set over the Hajar mountains, the darkening skies lit up with the UAE’s birthday celebrations.
December 2 marks the 50th anniversary of the formation of the UAE.
The anniversary was celebrated across the seven emirates and by their millions of residents who come from many different faiths, races, cultures and nations.
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Broadcast live from Hatta Lake, the 50th National Day Celebration was a fitting extravaganza for a country that often goes above and beyond.
The evening opened with the sound of drums rolling across the waters and reverberating through the peaks. From high in the hills came the sound of the nadba, the ancient cry of greeting of the Shihuh, the tribe whose home is the mountains of the Northern Emirates.
Down below was a wonder that seemed to defy the laws of physics: a lake floating on a lake — the man-made stage for the hour-long show.
Watching in the audience were the UAE's leaders, including Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, both of whom could be seen at times recording the spectacle on their mobile phones.
And there was plenty to capture, beginning with a huge, circular, rotating stage that also served as a projection screen and was entirely surrounded by water.
The theme of the evening was the progress of the UAE from the earliest days, beginning with the transformation of the stage into a Deirat Al-Duroor Wa Al-Tawala’a, the centuries-old Islamic astronomical calendar used to predict the seasons through the movement of the stars.
As cascades of drones recreated the heavens, the show next paid tribute to some of the women who had played an important role in the UAE's history.
Sheikha Hessa bint Al Murr Al Falasi, grandmother of Sheikh Mohammed, who was famous for her philanthropy, and Hamama bint Obaid Al Teneji, a healer known for her use of tradition herbal medicines.
Sheikh Mohammed seemed to be visibly moved when tribute was also paid to his mother, Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the Mother of the Nation.
Technology recreated famous figures of the past, with a hologram of the seven leaders who formed the UAE and footage of an emotional Sheikh Zayed, the Founding Father, addressing his people with the promise: “I assure you and pledge my sincerity and earnestness in everything I do for our citizens, nation, children and brethren.”
About 140 performers from all over the world were recruited for the show, which had taken around 1.5 million man hours and more than 1,400 people to organise.
After the singing of the national anthem, three young girls read letters to their future selves, expressing their hopes. Today they are Nora Al Matrooshi, the first Arab woman to train to be an astronaut; Maitha Bu Ghunoom, an environmentalist, and Tufool Al Nuami, a data scientist.
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A spectacular fireworks display on the Corniche to mark the UAE's Golden Jubilee year in Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National -
Down below was a wonder that seemed to defy the laws of physics: a lake floating on a lake — the man-made stage for the hour-long show. Everyone in the UAE could watch the live show broadcast on all local TV channels, as well as on the National Day’s official website. Victor Besa/TheNational. -
The Golden Jubilee show opened with the sound of drums rolling across the waters and reverberating through the peaks. From high in the hills came the sound of the nadba, the ancient cry of greeting of the Shihuh, the tribe whose home is the mountains of the Northern Emirates. Victor Besa/TheNational. -
Live screenings were also organised in all seven emirates, in cinemas, cultural spaces, and public places. Victor Besa/TheNational -
Broadcast live from Hatta Lake, the 50th National Day Celebration was a fitting extravaganza for a country that often goes above and beyond. Victor Besa/TheNational. -
The UAE flag displayed on Burj Khalifa. Pawan Singh/The National. -
Children enjoying the joy rides outside the Dubai Mall. Pawan Singh/The National. -
ADNOC lit up with different images of the leaders to mark the year of the Golden Jubilee occasion, in Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari/The National -
A young boy waves the UAE flag from the dhow monument along the Corniche for the 50th National Day in Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari/The National -
Children waiting for the airshow display along the Corniche. Khushnum Bhandari/ The National -
Proud Emirati children waiving the UAE flag along the Corniche. Khushnum Bhandari/ The National -
Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman, Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Ruler of Umm Al Quwain, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Ruler of Fujairah, and Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, attend the Federal Supreme Council meeting, at the Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Palace. Photo: Mohamed Al Hammadi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs -
The Al Fursan Air Display at Expo 2020 Dubai. Victor Besa / The National -
A spectacular aerial display at Expo 2020 Dubai. Victor Besa / The National -
Water Feature area at Expo 2020 Dubai during the 50th UAE National Day. Victor Besa/The National. -
Rola Saheb from Dubai at the flag garden near Kite Beach. Pawan Singh / The National -
A girl and a boy with UAE flag colours at Kite Beach, on Jumeirah Beach Road. Ruel Pableo / The National -
Families spend time at Kite Beach on UAE National Day. Ruel Pableo / The National -
A flag-carrying family cycle along Kite Beach. Ruel Pableo / The National -
Young women on the Corniche in Abu Dhabi fly the country's flag for the 50th National Day. Khushnum Bhandari / The National -
Emirati families celebrate the UAE's National Day on the Corniche. Khushnum Bhandari / The National -
Emirati boys enjoy National Day in Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National -
A young man's headgear is straightened for National Day. Khushnum Bhandari / The National -
Proud siblings wave the national flag on the Corniche in Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National -
Visitors to Expo 2020 Dubai prepare to celebrate the UAE's 50th National Day. Victor Besa / The National -
Brothers spend the country's anniversary at the world's fair. Victor Besa / The National -
Festivities get under way with a colourful parade. Victor Besa / The National -
The parade is a sea of colour and sound. Victor Besa / The National -
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed said the country had overcome huge challenges over the past 50 years. Victor Besa / The National -
Live music adds to the party atmosphere. Victor Besa / The National -
(L-R) Anju Jacob, Evelyn and Sebin Dcruz at the flag garden near Dubai's kite beach on the UAE’s 50th National Day. Pawan Singh / The National -
Rola Saheb from Dubai at the flag garden. Pawan Singh / The National -
Visitors to Expo 2020 Dubai on UAE National Day. Victor Besa / The National -
Young Emiratis in costume for UAE National Day. Victor Besa / The National -
A photograph is taken to mark the memorable occasion. Victor Besa / The National -
Young people enjoy the special events. Victor Besa / The National -
A series of events was held to mark National Day at Expo 2020 Dubai. Victor Besa / The National -
This little girl points the way forward. Victor Besa/The National -
Servhub treated its employees to a National Day celebration at their accommodation in Jebel Ali. Ruel Pableo for The National -
Servhub staff enjoy the occasion. Ruel Pableo for The National -
The flag-raising ceremony gets under way. Victor Besa / The National -
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and commissioner general of Expo 2020 Dubai, speaks after the flag-raising ceremony at Al Wasl Plaza. Victor Besa / The National -
An Al Azi performance takes place. Victor Besa / The National -
Visitors arrive at the world's fair – with masks on. Victor Besa / The National -
People dressed to celebrate the UAE's special day arrive at Expo 2020 Dubai. Victor Besa / The National -
Aircraft fly over The Founder's Memorial – a national tribute to the Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed – on the UAE's 50th National Day. Photo: Wam -
Sadique Ahamed ran 50 kilometres in Abu Dhabi on National Day to show his appreciation and loyalty to the UAE. Photo: Wam
The evening concluded with a spectacular display that included dancing fountains on the lake and fireworks, some launched by about 400 pyrotechnic drones.
Across the rest of the emirates, crowds gathered to watch firework displays and take part in celebrations that included a free day at Expo 2020.
In his message to the country, Sheikh Mohamed said that as the UAE prepared to enter its next 50 years that “we face the future with confidence, pride and a shared spirit of unity and determination".
He added: “We continue to draw lessons from the wisdom of our ancestors and take strength and inspiration from the courage and sacrifices of our martyrs.
“Our unity remains our single greatest source of strength and we believe that a secure, stable and robust country is best equipped to enjoy continued progress.”
The excitement and pleasure shown at the UAE’s Golden Jubilee is reflected in the diversity of the country 50 years after its birth, as also noted by Sheikh Mohamed in his National Day message.
“Expatriate residents have been an essential part of our journey and we remain open to all who wish to bring their energy, talent and creativity to our shores to help create a brighter future for all.”
Bob Michael Orok, a worker from Nigeria who was enjoying his first National Day, voiced a similar belief.
“Today we are all Emiratis,” he said.
The best photos from National Day — in pictures
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Proud Emirati children wave the UAE flag from their car's sunroof along the Corniche, Abu Dhabi in 2021. Khushnum Bhandari / The National -
Abu Dhabi National Oil Company is lit up with different images of the country's leaders to mark the UAE's Golden Jubilee. Khushnum Bhandari / The National -
A pickup truck decorated with the UAE flag colours drives along the Corniche in Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National -
Young women enjoy National Day at the Corniche in Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National -
A young girl dressed in the national colours embraces the spirit of the 50th National Day at the Corniche, Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National -
Emirati boys stand with pride for the country's 50th National Day at the Corniche in Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National -
Emirati families celebrate the UAE's 50 National Day along the Corniche. Khushnum Bhandari / The National -
A young boy stands with pride for the UAE’s 50th National Day at the Corniche in Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National -
Families gather to celebrate UAE's 50th anniversary along the Corniche. Khushnum Bhandari / The National -
From historic cars to classic songs and crafts, the UAE’s Golden Jubilee was celebrated at one of the country's oldest structures, Qasr Al Hosn in Abu Dhabi. Cody Combs / The National -
From historic cars to classic songs and crafts, the UAE’s Golden Jubilee was celebrated at one of the country's oldest structures, Qasr Al Hosn in Abu Dhabi. Cody Combs / The National -
From historic cars to classic songs and crafts, the UAE’s Golden Jubilee was celebrated at one of the nation's oldest structures, Qasr Al Hosn in Abu Dhabi. Cody Combs / The National -
The UAE’s Golden Jubilee is celebrated at Qasr Al Hosn in Abu Dhabi. Cody Combs / The National
