UAE residents in ecstatic mood ahead of celebrations

Abu Dhabi/Dubai: The number 39 on the UAE's colours — white, red, green and black — can be seen everywhere as the country celebrates its national day.

"The [Abu Dhabi] corniche is dressed up in lights. Everyone's happy," said a resident, who said she is looking forward to the massive fireworks at the Emirates Palace Hotel tonight.

Colourful banners proclaiming, "Kullunna Khalifa" are displayed prominently on the major roads of the emirates. The rough translation in English means "We Are All Khalifa", all of us are united as one. The national colours, white for peace, red for courage, green for hope and joy and black for determination, are all over the place.

Traditional food

"I hope everybody enjoys the events organised to celebrate National Day and feel proud in what we have achieved in 39 years," said His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on his Twitter feed.

Immediately after Shaikh Mohammad's tweet early yesterday afternoon, thousands of his "followers" offered their congratulations.

Many government and private sector companies and schools held celebrations across the country. "We are delighted with the collective happiness across the country," said a senior official with Emirates National Oil Company.

Schools and universities set up stalls offering traditional Emirati food, children painted their faces in the flag's colours. "Many of the [expatriate] male teachers wore the Emirati dress. Some women wore the shaila [veil]," said a school teacher in Al Barsha.

Activities galore

Etisalat on Wednesday organised various activities at its branches across the country as part of the UAE's 39th National Day. All etisalat buildings and offices were decorated with colourful lights to celebrate the occasion.

Nasser Bin Aboud Al Falasi, acting Chief Executive of etisalat, seized the occasion to congratulate President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and rulers of the emirates and members of the Supreme Council on the occasion.