UMM AL QUWAIN // Emirati and expatriate children have expressed their love for the UAE with drawings depicting the country, its flag and its map.
The children, who are from the ages of 5 to 10, participated in an Umm Al Quwain Municipality drawing competition to mark the 45th National Day.
Shad Salah Matar, 8, an Emirati, drew a picture of three girls wearing UAE flag dresses.
“I love my country because it is educating me. As Sheikh Zayed said ‘We all should be educated’,” she said.
Yahia Amro Abu Nimrah, a Jordanian pupil, drew a picture of the UAE flag.
“The UAE is my second country, where I live with my family in a safe and secure environment and have a nice school,” said the 7-year-old.
Hamad Al Yafai, a Yemeni student, also 7, painted a landmark in each emirate, including the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi, Burj Khalifa in Dubai and Ajman Museum.
Mr Al Yafai, who was born and raised in the UAE, said: “I love the UAE so much. Every year I draw a picture for the National Day as I like drawing.”
The competition was devised by Moza Humaid, public relations and events officer for UAQ Municipality.
She said she wanted the children to be part of the national celebrations because they are the future of the country.
“If we instil a love of the homeland in the children at an early age, their patriotism will grow with them.”
The final deadline for the competition was Thursday.
roueiti@thenational.ae
