Spectacular displays of pride mark UAE's National Day

From mega public gatherings to spectacular shows, country-wide festivities turned the occasion into a visual spectacle.

The UAE was awash with colours and national pride as the country celebrated the 48th National Day on Monday.
From mega public gatherings to spectacular shows, country-wide festivities turned the occasion into a visual spectacle.
The highlight of all the festivities was the epic theatrical show 'Legacy of our Ancestors' that was held at the Zayed Sports Stadium on Monday evening. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Their Highnesses Members of the Supreme Council and Rulers of the Emirates were all present at the event.
Over 20,000 Emiratis and residents flocked to the stadium that saw more than 900 performers take to the stage to enthrall the crowd. The 50-minute show took the audience on a vivid journey of the UAE's heritage through a series of stories that highlight the values of courage, determination, generosity and tolerance, which have been long embedded in the UAE's national and social fabric and have been passed down through generations.
Emirati culture and identity were celebrated with pride across the Capital. Major landmarks, educational institutions, malls and public places held a range of events throughout the day, which was capped off with an airshow and fireworks.
Qasar Al Watan, the Presidential Palace, highlighted the Emirati heritage with a series of captivating proceedings. There was a majestic start to the celebrations
with a parade led by mounted guards holding national flags, cyclists and the Abu Dhabi Police Music Band.
Visitors were entertained with traditional performances by Ayala dancers, the Diba Al Harbiah group and a song written for the palace by Emirati star Ahmad Al Mansoori.
The world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, displayed the words, The spirit of our ancestors lives through us, unites us, makes us one across all emirates, alongside an image of the late Sheikh Zayed bin sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE, to celebrate the country's 48th National Day.
The special moment touched the hearts of thousands of residents and tourists who turned up to see the spectacular LED show.
The Burj Khalifa was just one of the locations in Dubai that celebrated the National Day.
Several different areas of Dubai were lit up with fireworks, concerts and LED shows to mark this momentous occasion.