UAE unites in pride for 51st National Day celebrations

Stunning National Day show in Abu Dhabi the highlight of joyous activities across the country

President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, right, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, at the 51st UAE National Day ceremony at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. Hamad Al Kaabi / UAE Presidential Court

Sheikh Mohammed, right, and Sheikh Tahnoon bin Mohamed, Ruler's Representative in Al Ain Region. Hamad Al Kaabi / UAE Presidential Court

Members of the UAE armed forces participate in the show. Hamad Al Kaabi / UAE Presidential Court

Second row, left to right: Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid, Ruler of Ajman; Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid; President Sheikh Mohamed; Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah; and Sheikh Hamad bin Mohamed Al Sharqi, Ruler of Fujairah. Mohamed Al Hammadi / UAE Presidential Court

The 51st UAE National Day official ceremony. Ryan Carter / UAE Presidential Court

Guests attend the 51st UAE National Day official ceremony, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). Ryan Carter / UAE Presidential Court

Performers take part in the 51st UAE National Day show. Abdulla Al Neyadi / UAE Presidential Court

Members of the UAE Armed Forces participate. Abdulla Al Neyadi / UAE Presidential Court

Pictured right to left: Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mu'alla, Ruler of Umm Al Quwain; Sheikh Hamad bin Mohamed Al Sharqi, Ruler of Fujairah; Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah; President Sheikh Mohamed; and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid. Hamad Al Kaabi / UAE Presidential Court

Members of the UAE Armed Forces. Ryan Carter / UAE Presidential Court

Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed, managing director of Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and Abu Dhabi Executive Council member, left, and Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation. Hamad Al Kaabi / UAE Presidential Court

Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, left, with Sheikh Hamdan, centre, and Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region. Hamad Al Kaabi / UAE Presidential Court

Members of the UAE Armed Forces stand for the national anthem. Mohamed Al Blooshi for the UAE Presidential Court

Musicians perform. Mohamed Al Blooshi for the UAE Presidential Court

Cyclists participate in the official ceremony. Ryan Carter / UAE Presidential Court

Young performers participate in the show. Mohamed Al Blooshi for the UAE Presidential Court

Pictured left to right: Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, President Sheikh Mohamed, Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, and Sheikh Hamad bin Mohamed Al Sharqi. Abdulla Al Neyadi / UAE Presidential Court

Saqr Ghobash, speaker of the Federal National Council, left, Sheikh Omar bin Zayed Al Nahyan, deputy chairman of the board of Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation, centre, and Sheikh Khaled bin Zayed, chairman of the board of Zayed Higher Organisation for Humanitarian Care and Special Needs. Hamad Al Kaabi / UAE Presidential Court

Guests and foreign Ambassadors watch the show. Mohamed Al Blooshi for the UAE Presidential Court

Musicians perform. Ryan Carter / UAE Presidential Court

President Sheikh Mohamed. Hamad Al Kaabi / UAE Presidential Court

Performers participate in the 51st UAE National Day show. Mohamed Al Blooshi for the UAE Presidential Court

Performers in the spotlight. Mohamed Al Blooshi for the UAE Presidential Court

Performers participate. Abdulla Al Neyadi / UAE Presidential Court

An image of the late Sheikh Khalifa, former president of the UAE, is projected during the show. Abdulla Al Neyadi / UAE Presidential Court

Sheikh Saif bin Mohamed, left, speaks with Sheikh Tahnoon bin Mohamed. Hamad Al Kaabi / UAE Presidential Court

The 51st National Day show celebrated Emirati past and present, and looked to the future. National Day show

A enthralling show highlighted the UAE's significant successes in the space sector. National Day show

President Sheikh Mohamed. National Day show

A spectacular time tunnel opened up to welcome an Etihad Rail passenger train. National Day show

The lavish production paid homage to those serving their country. National Day show

An overhead view of the impressive show venue. National Day show

A team of talented musicians provided a stirring soundtrack. National Day show

A magnificent military parade started the show in style. National Day show

The UAE's achievements in space were celebrated. National Day show

Passengers on board an Etihad Rail train which rolled onto the stage. National Day show

A nation was united once more on Friday as the UAE's 51st National Day was marked with joyous celebrations.

Emiratis and residents alike turned out in force at events all over the country to fly the flag of the UAE with pride and reflect on its remarkable rise.

The headlining act on the memorable occasion was the stunning National Day show held at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

The rulers of all seven emirates — led by President Sheikh Mohamed — watched as the past, present and future of the UAE took centre stage.

The lavish production highlighted the UAE's rich biodiversity and its long maritime history, put its thriving space sector in the spotlight and stressed the need to forge a greener future, as the country prepares to host the Cop28 climate summit in 2023.

It was fitting that Etihad Rail took centre stage, with a train carrying waving passengers rolling into view.

Much like the foundation of the union in 1971, the national rail project will again help connect the emirates.

Flag-waving children then joined the celebration, with hundreds making a procession through the time tunnel as their written hopes and dreams for the future were beamed on to the stage.

The performance concluded with a vivid display of Al Ayyala dancing from a 200-strong troupe of Emirati performers in another nod to the nation’s cultural heritage.

Patriotic pride on display

As the sun set on the 51st National Day, crowds poured into Expo City Dubai to soak up an evening of live entertainment and cultural performances.

The Surreal water feature, a major hit during Expo 2020, became the backdrop for a celebration of Arabic culture led by Emirati poet AlWasmy.

Across Expo City, cultural performances took place through late afternoon and, as night fell, huge projections appeared on the walls of Al Wasl Plaza to celebrate the UAE.

Visitors to Expo City enjoyed a taste of Emirati hospitality and traditions, with a cultural market and roving bands who would break into traditional song and dance as they meandered through the site.

Thousands turn out in Sharjah

National Day fervour was in healthy supply on land and sea in Sharjah.

Thousands flocked to a maritime parade in the emirate.

People queued outside Sharjah Maritime Museum from 11am to join the boats that made their way through Al Qasba to Flag Island and then returned to the Maritime Museum Marina.

Meanwhile, there was a carnival atmosphere in the Labour Park in Al Saja'a Industrial Area.

The Labour Standards Development Authority in Sharjah organised a National Day celebration for workers.

Spectacular firework displays will light up the night skies later on Friday as the festivities continue.

The show will go on

Members of the public will have the chance to see the mesmerising National Day show for themselves in the days to come.

The breathtaking show will be re-enacted at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from December 3 to 11.

Tickets for the nine shows ― which start at 6pm each day ― are available for Dh200 via the National Day website. Children under three can attend free of charge.

UAE looks to a brighter future for all

Sheikh Mohamed, in his first National Day address as President, emphasised that the UAE will be a strong supporter of humanity and its development.

He said the 51st National Day is a time to recall the lessons of the past and look at the present with awareness and contemplation, while looking to the future with hope, optimism and confidence, state news agency Wam reported.

“Taking care of our citizens and opening up all avenues of development, creativity and self-affirmation before them has been, and will always remain, our top priority and we will spare no effort to achieve this goal,” Sheikh Mohamed said.