18 artworks that sum up what National Day means to those who call the UAE home

We asked readers to paint, knit, draw, photograph something that symbolised the UAE - here are the best works we received

SHORTLIST: 'Spirit of the UAE' by Future Rehabilitation Centre's Senior Boy Class, with students from the UAE, Egypt, Syria and Palestine. "This represents the strength of the country soaring to great heights. This piece was created by a class of senior boys at the Future Rehabilitation Centre for a feature display at our upcoming National Day celebrations. The Future Rehabilitation Centre is a centre for children and young People of Determination."

SHORTLIST: 'Untitled' by Afreen Nizam Rasheed, in Grade 11, India. "Each national signifies the power and unity of the leaders of the seven Emirates of the UAE, and they symbolise the spirit of the union."

SHORTLIST: 'A Rare Rainy Day' by Andy Anderson, the US. "Images of the UAE's Founding Fathers are framed on the walls of a villa in Al Bateen as the street glistens with recent rain."

SHORTLIST: 'Water Bearers and Wedding Procession' by Andy Anderson, the US. "I will miss the Qasr al Hosn Heritage Festival where I was able to take these kinds of UAE cultural images."

SHORTLIST: 'Thankfulness' by Ng Ann Nah, Singapore. "My whimsical take on the abundance of living in the UAE and feeling thankful for everything here."

SHORTLIST: 'Itihad' by Basima Afrin, India. "This, in a simple way, shows the symbols which stand for the UAE."

SHORTLIST: "Overlook" by Jack Lee, China: "The men are facing the skyline of Burj Khalifa and buildings... It is a symbol of hope , a great and bright hope for the future , nothing is impossible. The people are full of hope and possibility. The country is thriving and prosperous."

SHORTLIST: "Zayed, A True Leader‚" by Sai Sahana Manikandan, India, Grade 4: "Sheikh Zayed was a true leader and great visionary who left behind good moral values. He is the wise man of the Arabs."

SHORTLIST: 'Wool Knitted Blanket GWR Knit-A-Thon 2018-2019' by Ritika Oberoi, India. "The warmth, love, care and protection the UAE provides the people of their country motivates me to offer something back to the needy in the same way."

SHORTLIST: 'Connect n collect thru nation' by Muhammed Ali K V, India. "A reflection of national heritage"

SHORTLIST: 'For the honour and my love for the country of the United Arab Emirates' (oil on canvas) by Ursula Nasr. "National Day means the unity of people for the great past and the better future. As Sheikh Zayed said: "He who does not know his past cannot make the best of his present and future, for it is from the past that we learn.""

RUNNER-UP: ‘Happiness and National Pride’ by Beerta Maini, the US. "I attended the UAE National Day Parade in Downtown Dubai. In this photograph I was able to capture the national pride and joy of two Emiratis sharing their heritage."

RUNNER-UP: 'Unity is Strength' by Mohamed Fouqd Mohamed Firdows, India. "The Rulers and the citizens of the United Arab Emirates made their national flag to fly straight and proud."

RUNNER-UP: 'Bonding Moments' by Ricardo Diaz Quimada, the Philippines: "It’s a typical family bonding moment that makes this photo meaningful for me. Spending quality time together in the park relaxes the mind and the body."

RUNNER-UP: 'Sheikh Zayed' by Jack Lee, China. "Sheikh Zayed is pictured drinking coffee and reading the newspaper. Things are under his control and he is relaxed and calm. This image shows the dignity of the Founding Father and the peace and prosperity of the country."

RUNNER-UP: 'Heritage' by Nadia Fernandes, Portugal. "This is my representation of the true emblems of the UAE’s rich cultural heritage."

'RUNNER-UP: ‘Impressionistic UAE Flag’ by Andy Anderson, the US. "A huge UAE flag draped on a downtown Abu Dhabi building is reflected on another building across the street, near Old Airport Road."

WINNER: 'UAE 47 - The Metamorphosis' by Nissa Riyas, India. 'Underlying the glitter and sheen that blinds the world is the story of Metamorphosis, a story where a desert turned into an oasis of hopes and dreams for people from all over the world.'

We asked our readers to come up with the image that best summed up what National Day means to them. The response was overwhelming – scroll through the gallery above to see all of our favourite entries – but this, we thought, was the best:

Nissa Riyas, India, UAE 47 - The Metamorphosis

“Underlying the glitter and sheen that blinds the world is the story of Metamorphosis, a story where a desert turned into an oasis of hopes and dreams for people from all over the world. This proud nation weaves incessantly, the cocoons from where they let us all emerge as butterflies. The world is dazzled by the vibrant colours and smooth flutter of its wings, but few know that it has been an arduous yet passionate 47-year long journey. These 47 butterflies, each signifying the unending journey to perfection, stand for these years, on which the glory of this land rests. The UAE is truly more than what it seems to be”

The runners up

Beerta Maini, the US, Happiness and National Pride

"I attended the UAE National Day Parade in Downtown Dubai. In this photograph I was able to capture the national pride and joy of two Emiratis sharing their heritage."

Andy Anderson, the US, Impressionistic UAE Flag

"A huge UAE flag draped on a downtown Abu Dhabi building is reflected on another building across the street, near Old Airport Road."

Mohamed Fouqd Mohamed Firdows, India, Unity is Strength

"The Rulers and the citizens of the United Arab Emirates made their national flag fly straight and proud."

Ricardo Diaz Quimada, the Philippines, Bonding Moments

"It’s the typical family bonding moment that makes this photo meaningful for me. Spending quality time together in the park relaxes the mind and the body."

Jack Lee, China, Sheikh Zayed

"Sheikh Zayed is pictured drinking coffee and reading the newspaper. Things are under his control and he is relaxed and calm. This image shows the dignity of the Founding Father and the peace and prosperity of the country."

Nadia Fernandes, Portugal, Heritage

"This is my representation of the true emblems of the UAE’s rich cultural heritage."

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