DUBAI: The UAE National Day, December 2nd every year can be described as the most significant date in the country’s calendar, as it represents unity, solidarity.

It is the quest to preserve heritage and build on the successful achievements of the country’s wise leaders since the establishment of the federation 46 years ago.

As every year, this year’s UAE National Day was celebrated with a lot of pomp and pageantry,  accompanied by traditional flair and a host of entertainment, artistic and cultural activities along with spectacular firework displays throughout the seven emirates in the country.

Several exterior façade of both government buildings and private villas were spotted draped with a large UAE flags, while other offices were also decorated with the national colours. This colourful celebration reflects the UAE’s heritage and the spirit of the union.

Both Emiratis as well as the expatriate communities proudly raised the flag of this wonderful Nation, to celebrate the legacy of the founding father of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, as they pledged to carry on his relentless efforts to ensure the safety and prosperity of their most beloved homeland.

Following in the footsteps of our founders, the UAE leadership has notched up significant milestones with its humanitarian and charity endeavours worldwide.

Awqaf and Minors Affairs Foundation (AMAF) and its Family Village also actively participated during this year’s celebrations.

“Endowments are an integral part of our ethos as Emiratis, and the Foundation’s latest objective is to institutionalize and better organize charity and endowments to ensure they reach their beneficiaries more effectively and efficiently. With the support of likeminded individuals and institutions, we are proud to contribute to consolidating the UAE’s reputation as a model of social solidarity for nations around the world,” said Tayeb Al-Rais, Secretary General of AMAF.

The hotel industry in the UAE also reported brisk business during the weekend long holidays, as families and tourists spent their time in recreational activities.

Haitham Mattar, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Authority said that the emirate focused strongly on family-focused activities as the strong, stable family remains a core element of UAE society.

Ras Al Khaimah had also designed a celebratory, action-and-deal programme for the entire family for the long weekend where day-time temperatures in the emirate hovered between an enviable 28-30 degrees Celsius.

The chance to take in a headline Emirati music concert, dazzling fireworks, traditional entertainment at staycation deal prices also added to Ras al Khaimah’s ongoing appeal of waterfront golf, beach relaxation and water sports, the Iceland waterpark, desert activities and mountain adventure, including its ever popular Jebel Jais Via Ferrata (Iron Path) challenge.

On National Day Eve - four of the UAE’s top singers took to a giant stage in front of the signature Julphar Towers for a free-to-attend cultural musical performance on one of the biggest stages ever build in the Emirate with seating for over 10,000 people.

On the bill was the popular songstress Balquis and best-selling artists Hussein al Jasmi, Aida Al Manhali and Mehad Hamad, singing and enacting the history, heritage and culture of the Emiratis. The climax of the evening was marked by a galore of firework spectacular.

An interesting site was the convoy of 15 food trucks and outlets that served international and local dishes opposite Julphar Towers each evening of the weekend.

Residents and visitors also witnessed the popular traditional Emirati Yola dance – a famous battle scene dance in the UAE culture performed by a male troupe with sticks, swords or rifles to traditional music at various locations throughout the emirate. The troupe toured the entire Northern emirate in their mobile dance truck stopping at various sites to entertain crowds.

A 17-day heritage celebration part of the National Day commenced for families in the Sad Sahwka area where residents and visitors can sample traditional food and experience UAE cultural entertainment.

The National day celebrations was also taken to greater heights as scores of residents were seen picnicking in designated desert areas both in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, while others traveled the spectacular road that snakes up Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest peak and picnic  spot high up the mountain areas.

Several corporate companies and government departments held separate special National Day celebrations to mark the 46th anniversary. Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry held  a wide variety of traditional, cultural and festive activities.

The event was attended by Majid Saif Al Ghurair, Chairman of Dubai Chamber, and Hamad Buamim, President and CEO of Dubai Chamber, as well as Chamber staff and customers.

Guests were hosted within traditional tents where they were treated to Emirati hospitality, traditional cuisine, music and performances.

An on-site souk featured crafts, accessories and products sold by Chamber staff. In light of the UAE’s Year of Giving, Beit Al Khair Society was present at the event. Proceeds from products sold by the organisation at the event will be given to charity.

“The remarkable economic and social progress that the UAE has achieved over the last 46 years is the result of the strong union that exists in our nation. It is also a reflection of our wise leaders who continue to raise the bar and work towards their vision of making the UAE one of the happiest, smartest and most innovative countries in the world,” said Al Ghurair.