ABU DHABI // For Mohammed Al Dhaheri, the Spirit of the Union Parade of decorated cars was a chance to reflect on his country's roots, literally. He adorned his car with a tree draped with crystals and images of Emirati leaders, with Sheikh Zayed, the founding president, at the base.
"They are all in one tree," explained the 24-year-old from Abu Dhabi, who spent two weeks on the design. "Seven emirates in one tree. One nationality."
Hundreds of drivers participated in the gathering on Yas Island yesterday, covering their cars with rhinestones, ribbons, flowers, feathers and flags to show their pride in today's 40th anniversary.
"Because we love our country," said Hussain Al Marzouqi, from Abu Dhabi. "You don't know how much we are loving our country."
Mariam Gama, 31, from Abu Dhabi, brought her children to show them where they come from.
"We try to let them feel, what is the UAE?" she said. "What does this mean for our life?"
Most of the drivers were Emirati. But for Ahmed Issa, a Pakistani shopkeeper, it was a chance to show his adopted home his gratitude.
He spent six days and Dh5,700 to make his car a patriotic vision, spray-painting a carpet to cover the bonnet and using wire to attach coloured lights and baubles.
"It's not our country, but we are happy here for everything," said Mr Issa, a UAE resident for nearly 25 years. "Safety, security, everything."
As the sun set, Mr Issa turned on his lights and his creation began to glow.
vnereim@thenational.ae
The specs
Engine: 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8
Power: 611bhp
Torque: 620Nm
Transmission: seven-speed automatic
Price: upon application
On sale: now
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South Africa World Cup squad
South Africa: Faf du Plessis (c), Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock (w), JP Duminy, Imran Tahir, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Dale Steyn, Rassie van der Dussen.
If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.
When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.
How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl
Power: 153hp at 6,000rpm
Torque: 200Nm at 4,000rpm
Transmission: 6-speed auto
Price: Dh99,000
On sale: now
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
Started: 2020
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment
Number of staff: 210
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
Emergency
Director: Kangana Ranaut
Stars: Kangana Ranaut, Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Milind Soman, Mahima Chaudhry
Rating: 2/5
