DUBAI – In a dazzling display of national pride and unity, more than 500 cars transformed Jumeirah Road into a moving sea of red, green, white and black on Tuesday as the Brand Dubai-organised Eid Al Etihad celebrations kicked off with the grand Al Etihad Parade, marking the 54th National Day of the United Arab Emirates.
The parade began at 3:00 PM at Dubai Maritime City, where thousands of residents and expatriates gathered, many proudly waving UAE flags distributed by volunteers from the Community Development Authority (CDA). Over 1,000 flags were handed out to participants as a symbol of patriotism, community solidarity and love for the nation.
At 4:00 PM, the motorcade rolled along Jumeirah Road -starting from Union House, the historic site where the UAE’s founding fathers signed the declaration of union in 1971, and stretching to the iconic Burj Al Arab – symbolically tracing the nation’s journey from its roots to its modern grandeur.
Residents and visitors lined the streets to cheer on the convoy, many capturing the moment on their phones. The vibrant procession, tinted with national colours and echoing festive spirit, stood as a vivid tribute to decades of unity and progress under the motto of Eid Al Etihad.
Authorities had earlier issued traffic advisories, warning motorists of potential delays on Jumeirah Street between 4:00 PM and 5:30 PM, urging everyone to follow official guidelines for a safe and hassle-free celebration.
Why This Parade Matters
The route from Union House to Burj Al Arab symbolically connects the UAE’s founding moment to its present-day global standing.
Underscores the collective spirit: emphasizes the shared purpose, highlights the unity, showcases the joint resolve, exemplifies the common bond.
Participation of over 500 cars (and thousands of citizens and residents): involvement of more than 500 vehicles and thousands of people, engagement of a large number of the community.
Across nationalities, ages, and backgrounds: spanning diverse demographic groups, encompassing all members of society, inclusive of varied communities.
Alternative Phrasings
The engagement of over 500 cars and thousands of citizens and residents emphasizes the Union’s shared purpose across all nationalities, ages, and backgrounds.
The fact that more than 500 cars (and thousands of individuals) took part highlights the strong unity and shared resolve within the Union, bringing together a diverse cross-section of society.
A turnout of more than 500 cars and thousands of residents showcases the Union’s cohesive community spirit, embracing everyone regardless of their origin, generation, or history.
The large-scale involvement of over 500 vehicles and thousands of citizens serves to demonstrate the common bond and collective effort that links different nationalities, age groups, and backgrounds within the Union.
“The event signals a movement towards local, citizen-led festivities-more accessible, public, and shared-embodying a contemporary, all-embracing UAE.”
“The occasion represents a turn towards grassroots, community-focused celebrations-more inclusive, open, and collective-mirroring a modern, diverse UAE.”
“This gathering indicates a shift towards neighborhood-level, publicly-driven galas-more reachable, social, and collective-reflecting a present-day, unified UAE.”
“The festival marks a change towards everyday, resident-initiated events-more open, shared, and accessible-personifying a modern, comprehensive UAE.”
