DUBAI // It was not only the UAE’s colours that were flying high at Saturday’s National Day parade in Downtown Dubai.
The event brought together a huge cross-section of the community, and the red, green, white and black national colours of the UAE were joined by red and yellow from Mexico, green and yellow from Brazil, and green and red from Bangladesh.
The two-hour parade included marching bands, dancers, giant cartoon characters, stilt walkers and mounted police, and brought the UAE’s rich tapestry to life.
Emirati Shamma Al Tawash, 11, was at the event with her three brothers and father, who attend National Day celebrations every year.
“My favourite thing was the Emirati music and dancers on their golden float and the horses,” said Shamma, who was dressed in traditional Emirati costume.
The Dubai girl said the parade was “good for all the nationalities. Everyone has fun here”.
Her father, Abdulaziz, said having the parade next to Dubai Mall was a great way to catch tourists who might not have known about the event.
“It’s a good place to be able to promote the UAE and our culture,” he said.
Yemeni expatriate Salem Al Ameri was at the parade with his wife and children.
“We come every year here and it’s one of the festivals we make sure to attend,” said Mr Al Ameri, who lives close by.
“For the baby [daughter Haya, 2, dressed in sparkly UAE colours] it’s very exciting – the horses and live shows, the police.”
He said the event had many positive messages as it involved schools, companies, government entities and community groups.
“It brings many people together and shows more about the culture of the UAE, which creates more of a connection between the country and the people,” Mr Al Ameri said.
“The involvement of the special-needs children in the parade shows other children here how friendly they are, too.
“It integrates them and that’s really important.”
Sujaya Kamath, an Indian who has been in the UAE for 15 years, was at the event for the first time to watch her son take part.
“I’m so excited for him to be taking part in this,” Mrs Kamath said.
“It’s excellent celebrations and we’ve been waiting to see all this since he said he was participating.”
Her son was part of a group of young environmentalists called Green Hope, which aims to raise awareness among UAE youth about sustainability. “One of the highlights has been the police band,” said Mrs Kamath.
“I’ve never been to a National Day celebration before but it’s a really positive thing for the community. You get to come and see so many things about the UAE and participate too.”
Crowds flooded Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard for a taste of the excitement as celebrations for the UAE’s 43rd National Day began in earnest.
Ahmad Al Matrooshi, managing director of Emaar Properties, said the parade “put the spotlight on the rich Emirati heritage and our colourful traditions”.
“It also highlights the spirit of solidarity among the people, which has enabled the UAE to become an inspiring nation that leads by example in all sectors of life,” Mr Al Matrooshi said.
mswan@thenational.ae