UAE: Over 133 tribes to take part in Union Parade at Sheikh Zayed Festival
The Union Parade in Sheikh Zayed Festival Site, Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi, at 4 December is the participation of more than 133 UAE tribes to mark the celebration marking the 54th National Day and reflects the strong love; loyalty and appreciation expressed by people in UAE towards their nation and leadership.
What is the Union march?
It is a national event that gathers the largest number of tribes in one place. Tribes from all over the UAE, walk while carrying with them the flag of the Emirates and chanting many songs of folk heritage to emphasize their unity, coherence and national fabric and their loyalty to President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and H.H leaders of the states.
Increasing participation
Presidential Court officials said that the number of participating tribes has increased yearly. It demonstrates the success of the parade and its importance to the area. “It seems to be another class each year, and an increasing enthusiasm,” they said.
Al Bayan, an Arabic newspaper reported that 120 tribes took part in the 51st National Day including more than 10,000 participants. By contrast, 133 tribes participated in the celebrations of the 53rd National Day.
The parade this year will deliver new sections which consists of the traditional show, the folk show and young people appreciating their old nationalities performing items that integrate both past and present seamlessly in content yet more planned, more precise than ever.
The Union Parade seeks to instil the spirit of the Union and bond loyalties to and love for the homeland, so as send a message that UAE nationals, regardless their tribes, stand united behind the banner of Union and leadership. It also serves to reflect the unity of Emirati society and the solidity of its social fabric on a global scale.
Process of organising the parade
Early coordination with tribal elders and representatives is followed, officials said. There’s a coordinator for every tribe, cooperation is always high.
The parade's positive contribution to national identity, where all generations of people are united by them and their history. It enshrines in practice, not just in words, a deeper meaning of the Union.
This year, the carnival is expected to bring together a huge number of participants and spectators, with performances that embody the different terrains of the UAE: sea, desert and mountains; translated into artistic and heritage performances.
Such an organisation is entrusted to the Presidential Court in all aspects: preparation, co-ordination and follow-up. This also involves security and monitoring all tribal branches to ensure a disciplined parade that would suit the name of the state, Al-Emirate of Al-Garabah.
The coordination with tribes is done in advance by meeting them and making clear procession routes, entry and exit timings, very close coordination is offered to security quarters and even the organisers that parade itself is 100% safe & well planned.
There are also participating programs, all with the goal of bolstering heritage appreciation that range from public workshops on traditional customs to saving folk practices and involving youngsters in all the efforts so that they can begin to learn about their past and realize it is something to be proud of.
The Presidential Court earlier announced that the Union Parade of the Tribespeople to mark the 54th UAE National Day, would be held in Al Wathba on December 4 at the Sheikh Zayed Festival site, as an expression of people’s pride, love and loyalty to their nation and its leadership.
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