FUJAIRAH // Marching bands and horses from the Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre kept crowds entertained at the Fujairah Corniche on Wednesday.
More than 300 Indian expatriates took part in the parade to express their gratitude and love for the country by singing, dancing and waving UAE flags.
“This country feeds my kids and my home country, and we are so grateful and loyal to the UAE and its celebration is our celebration, therefore we are here now to share it,” said Yoosuf Mohiyadheen, the president of the Kerala centre.
“We were practising for almost 15 days and we had the support of the authority and the community.
“Some provided us with horses and a sailor offered us his boat to use in the parade.”
Mohammed Niyas, 15, an Indian who took part in the parade said: “I performed the Kerala dance with my friends at the parade today.
“It’s a gift from us to the UAE and to the residents.”
Marwan Koya, 11, a pupil at Fujairah Indian School, said: “I wore the traditional dress and held the UAE flag in the parade to express my love for the country.”
Marwa Al Hassan, 34, one of the Emirati spectators, said: “I brought my kids today to see and join my country’s celebrations of unity, and to see that not only Emiratis are celebrating but also expats made me feel proud of the country and the people.
“May God protect the country and our leaders.”
Meanwhile, expatriates were gathered at Fujairah Culture, Youth and Community Development Centre to share the national celebrations with local residents.
The centre came alive with traditional music and yola dancers, while visitors looked their best by wearing brightly coloured national dress.
“It’s our great pleasure to host the UAE festival celebration each year with the participation of people from all nationalities and different ages to celebrate with us this precious occasion,” said Sultan Malieh, manager of the centre.
“This year we have many activities and bands from Sudan and Algeria who came all the way to celebrate with us and, of course like each year, we showcase the products of Fujairah’s families.”
Al Bidiyah Culture and Folklore Association also took part in the centre’s celebrations by performing a set of folklore dances to entertain the visitors, while some of them took to the stage and joined the band.
“The atmosphere is great and it’s well organised. This is the first time I’ve attended UAE National Day and participated in the celebrations ,” said Karema Ahmad, 29, from Egypt.
“I’m thrilled to see all of the people from different nationalities are joining the locals and celebrating as if it is their own country.
“Anyone here can sense how the expats are feeling that they belong to this country and support its unity and prosperity.
“You can’t find this feeling everywhere.”
rhaza@thenational.ae
