(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Dancers stilt walkers mascots join Downtown Dubai parade
Dressed in national colours and all set for the parade. — KT photo by Rahul Gajjar
For the revellers who were lucky enough to catch this year’s Downtown Dubai National Day parade on Saturday celebrations were in full flow. But for those who got caught in the hours-long traffic brace yourself for more disappointment. You missed the best one yet.
From live music balloon making and the marching stomps of the 4000-strong parade residents clad in the UAE national flag colours were out in full force to begin early celebrations ahead of the country’s 43rd birthday on December 2.
“This has been the best parade yet by far” 17-year-old Anashia Akbar told Khaleej Times as the parade was wrapping up.
Joining her mother father and younger sister Malaika for a family day out Anashia said the parade was “really lovely” and is looking forward to an even bigger show next year. And her father Irfan who has lived in Dubai for 25 years agreed.
“This was definitely the best parade yet. It was bigger and better with about 4000 people joining the march” he said.
Taking over the Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard along Downtown Dubai dancers from around the world stilt walkers and mascots added to the electric atmosphere on the day.
Hosted as a tribute to the richness of Emirati heritage this year’s colourful animated floats set the scene perfectly and highlighted the country’s multiculturalism.
Though originally from Pakistan Irfan said the UAE is like a second home to him so he will continue the celebrations with family on Tuesday.
“I heard something on the radio about celebrations near the Burj Al Arab on December 2 so that’s where we’ll be heading for the day” he said.
With thousands of participants from government authorities schools and other community organisations joining the march on Saturday it was the perfect way to mark the solidarity of the ‘Spirit of the Union’ which derived from the vision and legacy of the UAE’s founding father late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
According to Palestinian couple Joseph and Katie Hagopian the spirit remains high each year. Living in Downtown Dubai they have attended the parade for the last three years and like the Akbars they agree that the mood gets better year on year.
“The first time we came it was good but it was nothing on this level” Joseph said.
Spotting the crowd from their balcony the duo along with their young daughter headed down to the boulevard to join in on the buzz. “I can imagine traffic is busy but it’s getting better I think. This year they opened up the back roads so that’s a good start” he said.
So what will the Hagopian’s be doing this UAE National Day
“We’ll just be enjoying it with friends and family like everyone else. We’ll head down to the park and have a barbecue.”
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