Unity in Diversity

Buildings lit for the occassion
Photo credits: Mrudvi Bakshi

On 2nd December UAE celebrated its 38th National day. In the year 1972 seven Arab states,namely, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras-Al-Khaima, Ajman, Fujairah and Um-al- Quinn came together under the able leadership of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, then ruler of Abu-Dhabi emirate, to bring the seven emirates under one umbrella and thus the nation of United Arab Emirates was born.

Under the patronage of present President Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan the city was in its best morale paying a tribute to the founder and father of the nation Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and 38 years of patriotic spirit among the nationals. UAE flags were fluttering all across the nation symbolizing peace, strength and harmony amongst the people of the nation including large number of expatriate population. The entire city was lightened and fairs were set up across the city highlighting the importance of the day.

It was indeed a very colorful and musical extravaganza as events had Arabs singing and dancing to the beats of their traditional music.

Cars decorated for the day
Photo credits: Mrudvi Bakshi

Abu Dhabi being the capital of the nation had the most extravagant fireworks that took place for three consecutive days and some exclusive cultural shows staged, symbolizing the significance of the day. Getting out on the streets and joining the nation in the celebration gave a very unique feeling of pride and satisfaction. It looked like everyone had got together to observe the perseverance taken by the nation to transform this barren land into the very prosperous UAE.

Anil Prakash, an Indian expatriate and resident of Abu Dhabi, says, “The massive festivity shows the solidarity amongst not only the citizens of the nation but also the entire expatriate community, and this feeling arises as we want to show how much we care and pray for the progress and prosperity of the country, with the same spirit that we hold for our home country.

Shopping complexes, residential building, buses and cars all were painted in the colors of UAE and it seemed like a particular theme had been setup in the colors of which all nationals had mixed themselves.“The 38^th birthday of the UAE shows the unity of the seven emirates in one heart. It stands a proof that all the emirates are united as one and can fight any body.” This according to Ahmed Hamza, caught dancing to the Arabic tunes with many nationals.

Raghav Naryan, 16 years old says, “Unity in diversity is how I can define the spirit of the nation as toady we all have come forward, irrespective of our origins, to salute to 38 years of peace and prosperity of the United Arab Emirates.”

With the blissful celebration continuing for three days all together the nationals of the country look forward to experiencing many more years of harmony and success on the soil of the Middle East.