The nation goes back to work this morning regretting the end of a splendid long weekend, during which we celebrated some of the best aspects of the UAE.
Water coolers, break-rooms and work-site lunch groups will be buzzing with chatter about the weekend's many special events. Photos will be emailed to colleagues, friends and kinsfolk in this country and abroad. Those who attended the spectacularly staged and visually stunning show at Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi will have bragging rights over those who missed it, or who saw it only on television. Patriotic scarves and lapel pins will be tucked away for future occasions.
Everyone who enjoyed any of the weekend's special events - and that surely includes expatriates as well as Emiratis - should take a moment to think about those who planned all the events, and about the performers, managers, pilots, police and firefighters, support workers and others who made it all happen.
National Day is a fine reason to have a party, and the UAE had a great one. But there is a higher purpose in occasions such as the one we have just enjoyed: to express the unity of all the peoples who live here. Despite the differences among groups, the UAE is a country where we share the values of mutual respect, and that's well worth celebrating.
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Story%20behind%20the%20UAE%20flag
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COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Total funding: Self funded
THREE POSSIBLE REPLACEMENTS
Khalfan Mubarak
The Al Jazira playmaker has for some time been tipped for stardom within UAE football, with Quique Sanchez Flores, his former manager at Al Ahli, once labelling him a “genius”. He was only 17. Now 23, Mubarak has developed into a crafty supplier of chances, evidenced by his seven assists in six league matches this season. Still to display his class at international level, though.
Rayan Yaslam
The Al Ain attacking midfielder has become a regular starter for his club in the past 15 months. Yaslam, 23, is a tidy and intelligent player, technically proficient with an eye for opening up defences. Developed while alongside Abdulrahman in the Al Ain first-team and has progressed well since manager Zoran Mamic’s arrival. However, made his UAE debut only last December.
Ismail Matar
The Al Wahda forward is revered by teammates and a key contributor to the squad. At 35, his best days are behind him, but Matar is incredibly experienced and an example to his colleagues. His ability to cope with tournament football is a concern, though, despite Matar beginning the season well. Not a like-for-like replacement, although the system could be adjusted to suit.
List of alleged parties
May 12, 2020: PM and his wife Carrie attend 'work meeting' with at least 17 staff
May 20, 2020: They attend 'bring your own booze party'
Nov 27, 2020: PM gives speech at leaving party for his staff
Dec 10, 2020: Staff party held by then-education secretary Gavin Williamson
Dec 13, 2020: PM and his wife throw a party
Dec 14, 2020: London mayoral candidate Shaun Bailey holds staff event at Conservative Party headquarters
Dec 15, 2020: PM takes part in a staff quiz
Dec 18, 2020: Downing Street Christmas party
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