Tourists wave the UAE flag with pride, too

Dubai - 46 tourists from Germany proudly waved a 10-metre long UAE flag

It's not just UAE residents who'll be waving the country's flag with pride today. Emirati tour guide Mohammed Ali is on a mission to get tourists involved in the celebrations too.
"For me personally, Flag Day is a good way to teach my tourists about the history of the UAE. I want them to feel like they belong here too, even if they don't live here."
During a private tour with Ali and his 46 guests from Germany this week, Khaleej Times joined the group as they snapped pictures in front of some of Dubai's most well known spots including the Burj Al Arab and Dubai Marina - all while waving a 10-metre long UAE flag.
Although today, thousands across the country will be waving and hanging a flag to mark the annual flag day celebrations, Ali say even though it may just be a physical action, if you look beyond that, it is that action that promotes a feeling of solidarity here.
"When I ask my tourists if they'd like to pose for pictures with the UAE flag, they always say yes. What I find it does is it sparks a conversation about the meaning of the flag, and the meaning of the day."
For him, his tours go beyond just showing his guests the glitz and glam of Dubai's shell, it's their chance to dig a little deeper and ask the questions - to a local - that you can't find in a book.
"I want my tourists to know that the UAE isn't just somewhere to come, make money and go home. It's a place that welcomes people and encourages them to make it their home too."
kelly@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai