How is UAE National Day celebrated?

United Arab Emirates (UAE) National Day is celebrated in many ways with a host of celebrations taking place. It is celebrated with a spirit of unity and happiness. There is a lot of excitement and preparation that goes on for this day.

Just a few days before UAE National Day, the stores and shops will fill up with all sizes of UAE flags, and anything from key-rings, hair decorations for girls, car accessories to party decors - all in the colours of the UAE flag. People will hang monster size flags from their homes either from the roof of their houses or from the balconies in preparation for the day and some may even light up their garden trees with lights in the colours of the UAE flag too.

On the actual day, UAE traditional sword dances such as the Ayyalah, Liwa, and Haban, Harbiya and Mated take place in the center of the malls, near the Corniche on the grass, or at Heritage Villages. Camel sticks are sometimes use to replace the swords. You will find young locals following in the traditions of their fathers performing these dances with such great experience; throwing the sticks in the air and catching them again while dancing with perfect precision.

Since everyone has the day off, families go out to the Corniche or the gardens and parks with their children, some will picnic and some will stay near the Corniche to watch a massive fireworks display.

There are also many UAE competitions and special events held throughout the UAE, such as traditional dhow boat racing, international boat racing, camel racing,and special events like Classic Car Competitions in Dubai and Best Decorated Car ( in flag colours ) these are all displayed at the Corniche in the capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi, the best car to win stays displayed and the winner receives a prize. During National Day everyone prepares their cars and as they drive through the street with them they attract everyone's attention. Each person has their own way of decorating their car and each come up with some unique idea every year.

Some schools and other educational institutes perform concerts, parties or competitions. Some organise food bazaars where everyone who participates cook some dishes and all the proceeds made on this day goes to charity.

Everyone gets involved in National Day Activities, even businesses, all each having a party and a competition with prizes to be won.

At times there are brilliant live outdoors concerts, with the local students performing the traditional UAE dances and dedicating poetry to the day.This is sometimes ended with fasinating fireworks or laser displays.