Spirit of pride, happiness overwhelm Emiratis
dubai — With the nation set to mark the 47th National Day, Khaleej
met with several Emirati citizens to give readers a close look inside the National Day celebrations among Emirati families.
Lt-Col Qadeeb Abdullah Al Zaabi, director of media and public relations, RAK Police, said the National Day is a special occasion for all the Emiratis.
“It marks the Union of the seven emirates. This year, it coincides with the Year of Zayed — a year in which the entire country rejoices in 100 years of the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, founding father of the nation. I am eagerly looking forward to the spectacular fireworks and car rallies.”
Emiratis usually dress up in UAE flag colours, decorate their homes, workplaces, cars and streets to celebrate the day, he explained. “We cook traditional dishes such as Harees and make flag-coloured cupcakes,” he said. “I prefer to celebrate this day in the UAE with my family, friends and relatives. I feel proud as this day created unity among the Emiratis. I am honoured and proud of my leaders who are making our lifestyle better every day.”
Saeed Abdullah Rashid said his entire family always celebrates the National Day by flying the UAE flag high on top of their house. “We also wrap the entire front of the house with a big UAE flag to show our pride and happiness about this turning point in the history of our country.”
Rashid’s family also sacrifices a big animal and distributes its meat among relatives and friends. “We also exchange gifts. Kids get dressed in colours of the UAE flag.”
Mohammed Al Shamsi said the National Day is special to him that he gets ready to it some months earlier. “I decorate my entire house with flags and buy more flags for my kids to gift to their fellows.”
Al Shamsi’s family celebrates the occasion by visiting relatives and eating traditional foods together. “We also go camping in the desert, particularly with the fine weather these days.”
Amani Hassan said the National Day is a source of pride, unity, love, loyalty and commitment to her beloved country and prudent leadership. “This country has given us much and we are glad to share this special day and give back to it.”
Amani celebrates the National Day by going out and meeting friends and relatives. “We cook traditional dishes — Balaleet and Khubisa,” she said. “We also give gifts to kids, and proudly carry UAE flags everywhere.”
Rashid Taraim Al Kitbi said they celebrate the National Day with family and relatives.
“We also share moments with everyone on the Dubai roads. We decorate our houses and cars with UAE flags, exchange gifts and visits, and cook special traditional foods.”
Ahmed Abu Khater said the National Day is so special to him because December 2 means pride, honour, and belonging to this nation. “It means loyalty to this land and everything under the sky of the UAE. This special day has been fixed by forefathers, including
I prefer to celebrate this day in the UAE with my family, friend and relatives. I feel proud as this day created unity among the Emiratis.” Lt-Col Qadeeb Abdullah Al Zaabi, director of media and public relations, RAK Police
Sheikh Zayed and his brothers, the Rulers of the Emirates. “People celebrate this occasion by flying flags over their houses and wearing traditional local attire,” he added.
Most of the families here go out during the National Day to celebrate the day, Abu Khater said. “Some go to the farm, and some go to hotels to celebrate or attend the festivals going around. I plan to take my family to a farm and enjoy time in nature,” he said. “Of course, we will be cooking some tasty local dishes.”
He said this country has given him a lot of love and care. “It is with Allah’s help that the country is now ranking up high in par with developed countries. The UAE leaders always spread happiness everywhere. This makes me a proud Emirati citizen and I am celebrating this day from the bottom of my heart and more than ready to give back.”
Most nationalities voice the same pride and happiness and mostly come back to this great country, he said.
“Residents and visitors feel it is their own national day and are so passionate to celebrate this day with us.”