Military feel sets the mood at Yas Island National Car Parade

Nine-month-old Sultan Hazza Al Muharbi was the youngest driver at the Du Forum on Thursday. Delores Johnson / The National

ABU DHABI // The overarching theme for this year’s Yas Island National Car Parade was support for the Armed Forces.

Emiratis and expats, young and old, expressed their backing for the military through vehicles decorated for National Day.

Standing out from the dozens of creations was Ahmed Baloushi’s Toyota Land Cruiser.

Mr Baloushi was not just satisfied with images of the leaders on his rear and side windows – as well as red, green, black and white stickers in the shape of butterflies and hearts, with the words love and nation covering his car’s hood. He also mounted replicas of a cannon and two missiles on the roof of his 4x4.

“When I heard of the Emirati martyrs, my heart was with with them. I feel I’m ready to give this country anything it asks of us,” said the Pakistani, who has lived in Abu Dhabi for 29 years.

Having participated in past parades with decorations focusing on UAE culture, Mr Baloushi said this year it felt right to honour the men and women in uniform.

Taking a different approach, Adel Sifzar expressed his support for the troops through sound.

Military songs blared from the back of his company’s customised 4×4, carrying a 12,000-watt sound system featuring four 12-inch speakers and a subwoofer.

“We love living in this country and this modification, which costs about Dh45,000, is the least we can do,” said the marketing manager for FlyAudio.

Mohammed Al Hamadi, 21, left no doubt about his championing of the military. He covered his 2015 Chevrolet Camaro in a camouflage sticker.

Mr Al Hamadi’s Camaro was one of more than 20 from the Camaro club taking part in the National Day convoy.

But the latest model vehicles were not the only ones represented, Mohammed Ismail, 33, brought his clasic Dh250,000 1963 Corvette.

“I had to join in because I was born here and think of it as my own country,” said the Egyptian.

“I feel joy, like my own Egypt is celebrating today.”