How the UAE celebrated National Day in the 1970s and now
UAE National Day festivities are an occasion that has undergone radical change over the years. In the words of a head of the 53rd UAE National Day, older Emiratis said: “In the past, we had few foreigners who joined us as the celebrations went on. However, today, we indeed are many people from many nationalities, and the heterogeneity makes the celebrations even better.”
According to Al Badawi, an Emirati aged 56 and residing in Dubai, the patterns of these events have significantly changed. “Emirates felt like a bride during her wedding," she observed, attributing this to the fact that even the decorations seemed more bedecked than the simplicity of their lives at that time.
"Sheikh Zayed's image was on all the streets, as well as flags and lights." This is what she is talking about when she says she remembers celebrating the event with her family in parks in Abu Dhabi, where they used to celebrate, visit relatives, and watch traditional dances like Al Yola and Al Ayala.
When asked about today’s sights and sounds in comparison to those of Al Badawi said: “People used to come in large numbers on Al Dhifa Street which today is known as 2nd of December Street. It’s known as a Cultural Village today, but at that time it was a place where many Emiratis congregated for traditional celebrations and contests.”
“The celebration today has almost the same spirit, but some things have changed. When we used to celebrate, very few foreigners participated in the celebrations. But now, there are a lot of different nationalities. This diversity has improved the celebrations while helping others in explaining the Emirati culture easily,” she emphasized.
Simple but patriotic
In addition, 64-year-old Hussain Abdalla, a current resident of Sharjah and an army personnel during the 80s, recounted his part. “Every now and then, we would go down to Abu Dhabi for enjoyment. There were mild military parades on December 2nd, but those things are different nowadays,” said Hussain
After that, the family settled down in Sharjah where on National Day he took his children in traditional clothes and participated in the walking tableau in the Corniche waving flags and photos of Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Sultan.
“In terms of patriotism, today remains the same although celebrations used to be more conservative back then,” he commented.
Beautiful moments
Fatima Hussein, a Sharjah resident aged twenty-four, recounted her primary school festivities. “We used to have a full day of fun,” she stated as she recalled the memories of dances, which took place at the school and field trips where the students showcased their performances at the Cultural Theatre in Sharjah.
“I remember in 2008, we presented a performance in front of Sheikh Sultan Al Qasimi. This is one of the most beautiful images in the mind that I had and thus I felt so much pride in the heart. This image, however, I will not erase from my memory for the rest of my life,” she went on.
Fatima detailed how the girls decorated themselves with gold, gold that included the traditional headpieces called 'Tasaah', ‘Marya’ and ‘Murtaasha.’ “We decorated ourselves so beautifully that in essence we were like brides, “ she said, stressing how they enjoyed the experience of wearing a jewelled gold and silver image which personified Arabs.
She also remembered the day during the National Day celebrations when they broke the Guinness world record for creating the largest human flag. "We came together from different schools. Everyone was dressed in a flag’s color what represented their team."
"One of my favorite events is the walking march. All the people join together and sing Emirati songs, then proceed to a national procession along the Corniche with the flag in hand," she continued. "When it was ending, we went back to school around nine pm and after that I went home.”
Likewise, 12-year-old Dalal Suhail, who lives in Dubai, shared her views on the national celebrations. "It was always more than a single day of celebration. I take part in national activities so it was great for me," she shared.
“First we perform at school for several days, and then we go to a government institution to perform,” she noted. At the same time, she exclaimed that the national song is one to which she loves to listen. “Before and after National Day when I am so proud to be an Emirati, I like to listen to national songs for a few days.”
Dalal went on: “In my case, my parents also put together a fruitful celebration replete with fun activities every year. At times we participate in celebrating our farms, others in homes, and yet others in the desert. It is not the place that counts; it is the family and the national spirit that is paramount.”
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