Abu Dhabi: The National Day celebrations have attracted everyone in the capital, whether they are nationals or expatriates. All say they share the festive mood of the day.
National Day brings happiness to both Emiratis and expatriates. Khalid Mub-arak, an Emirati Sales Manager at Adnoc Distribution, said he gets the most colourful moments and pictures during National Day celebrations every year.
"On the street I try to capture all such rare moments. Yesterday I got nice pictures of people walking on the streets wearing national flags. Everybody tries to show one's affinity to the motherland."
Mansour Al Daheri, 21, an Emirati student, said National Day reminds him of the proud history of 36 years of unity. "The UAE has really shown its strength during these years which make every one proud."
Mass participation
Humaid Al Ghaithi, 21, another Emirati student, said what he likes most on National Day is the participation of expatriates in celebrations. "It shows they, too, love the country, which is a good sign. It is a special happiness because you are sharing the joy of an entire country."
Expatriates said they do enjoy the occasion as nobody can keep from joining in such a mass participation of celebrations.
"I never saw such involvement on Independence Day in my home country with more than a billion people," said Sindhu Vasudeva Kurup, an Indian nurse.
Noor Mohammad, 30, an Afghani working in a hotel, said he does notice the occasion because there is a happy mood everywhere.
"It is more visible than Eid and other festivals." Some of the expatriates suggested government and media should encourage more expatriates to take part in the National Day celebrations.
