Unfunded liability nature of the pensions and growth in pension expenditure is increasingly a challenge for the government as it prepares its budget
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Patriotic fervour was soaring sky-high in the Capital on Friday. Abu Dhabi is all decked up with decorative lights and then there were blazing air shows, exhibitions, bundle of offers and activities in all the malls.
Aerobatics show by Al Forsan left thousands of people awestruck as various formations and the UAE national colour displays captivated the holiday crowd.
Corniche stretch and the nearby parks were occupied from afternoon till late hours.
The party atmosphere will continue till Sunday as people get together with friends and family and the festive spirit is reaching feverish pitch with each passing day.
There are many residents reaching the Capital from other emirates, like Shiny M Raju, who is here to catch up with her sister.
"When it comes to National Day, Abu Dhabi is the place to celebrate. With air and car shows, fireworks in Corniche and Yas Mall, activities across malls and like," said the Ajman-based nurse, who will be back to resume her duty at the clinic on Saturday.
Malls across the Capital buzzed with activities. The host of fun-filled events at Yas Mall, Khalidiyah Mall and others will continue today. Mushrif Mall had a photo exhibition and three-days of stage shows, competition among other events. "We will have cultural programmes highlighting the rich culture of the country," mall manager Aravind Ravi Palode said.
Various clubs, hotels and resorts have rolled out attractive festive offers. Among them a cool one is Tasleeh Shooting promoting the art of airsoft battle through competitions.
Tasleeh Group CEO Salem Al Matroushi said: "Our competition marks the UAE's long-standing heritage in the sport of shooting, and gives professionals as well as budding learners a safe venue to train and manifest their skills."
Indian Ambassador Navdeep Singh Suri marked the occasion with a Twitter video of wishes made in Arabic. He said in a separate message that in the coming years, there will be a 'remarkable new energy and a new momentum' in the bilateral relationship.
"In the next few months we are going to see India as the Guest of Honour of the World Government Summit in Dubai, we are going to see India as the Guest of Honour of Abu Dhabi Festival in March and we are going to see a number of high level visits taking place between the two sides," Suri said.
- ashwani@khaleejtimes.com
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