Hundreds of people gathered in London on Tuesday as the UAE embassy in the United Kingdom hosted a final event to round off National Day celebrations. Guests were treated to an evening of traditional Emirati culture. "This is almost like stepping into the UAE," His Excellency Mansoor Abulhoul, UAE ambassador to the UK, told <em>The National</em>. “You can see here today how National Day brings people together,” he said. The scent of incense and fresh dates welcomed guests to the reception at London’s five-star Royal Lancaster Hotel. High-ranking officials from the UAE embassy including the defence attache and police attache were in attendance, along with dignitaries representing other nations. The ambassador said: “We’re as much about our heritage as we are about going out into the world.” The theme of this year’s celebration tied in with 2019 being declared the Year of Tolerance in the Emirates. For many Emiratis living in the UK, National Day celebrations are a chance to reconnect with old friends and enjoy some home comforts. “Since I was a little girl, we looked forward to it like Eid,” said Muna Al Hammadi, an Emirati student in the final year of her PhD. "Emiratis are living as one family," she said. Ms Al Hammadi said, she joined in the celebrations every year while living in the UK. “I feel so, so proud,” she said. Traditional dancing and classical Arabic music entertained the dignitaries and guests. At one point, spontaneous cheers broke out as dignitaries joined in with the traditional Al rafza dancing. Guests also sampled traditional Emirati food. Alia Mubarak, an Emirati student who recently moved to London to study, said: "Being abroad and celebrating with people makes me feel like I'm home." “I enjoy seeing people coming together to share the happiness.” For many Emiratis, the National Day celebrations are a key way to connect with the country’s history. “Our forefathers and ancestors worked very, very hard to nurture the country into what it is today,” said Abdullah Al Awadhi, President of Emirates Trade and Investment. “What brings us all together is this beautiful flag,” he said. The event also featured an art exhibition showcasing works by less able artists, put on by UK-based charity CareTech. Rawda Alotaiba, Deputy Head of Mission for the UAE’s UK embassy, said the exhibition fit within the scheme of the Year of Tolerance theme for this year’s celebration. “I am so inspired by their creativity,” she said. On arrival, guests were given white flowers as a symbol of the day’s significance. “It’s been a huge year for the UAE,” the ambassador said, citing the Pope’s visit, hosting the special Olympics and the construction of the Abrahamic Family House interfaith complex in Abu Dhabi. “Next year will be even bigger,” he said.
