Saudi king, Mohammed bin Rashid and Mohammed bin Zayed attend Union Procession

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, along with Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, attended the Union Procession on Sunday afternoon.

The event, which is part of the activities of the Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival 2016 in Al Wathba area, Abu Dhabi, was held on the occasion of the 45th UAE National Day celebrations.

The Union rally, organised by the Ministry of Presidential Affairs, was attended by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai; Sheikh Rashid bin Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Crown Prince of Umm al Qaiwain, Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in the Eastern Region; Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Executive Council of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi;Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior; Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs; Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chief of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince's Court; Sheikh Omar bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan for Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation; Sheikh Khalid bin Zayed Al Nahyan Chairman of the Board of Zayed Higher Organisation for Humanitarian Care & Special Needs; a number of Sheikhs and senior UAE and Saudi officials.

The event was also attended by tribal members representing different Emirates and regions.

They expressed their pride and delight on the 45th National Day anniversary, the UAE Union and in the wise leadership, led by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Supreme Council Members, their Highnesses Rulers of the Emirates.

The crowds also stressed their faith in the Union, which will continue to thrive through the solidarity and unity of the people of the UAE to achieve further development, prosperity and progress.

They demonstrated their folk heritage amid cheering and waving of the UAE national flag in front of the podium. The procession reflected the diversity and multiculturalism, and the authentic Arab heritage that won the admiration of the audience who interacted with them.

The participants expressed that the UAE people cherished love and loyalty to the nation, the leadership and the Arab traditions inherited from the forefathers.

Their Highnesses Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan greeted the participants in the union procession on the cultural heritage shows they demonstrated.

They said their performance reflects the national and authentic spirit, and heritage diversity of the UAE, expressing their pride in safeguarding the cultural heritage by the tribes so as to pass it to future generations.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed stressed that the UAE, led by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan "is proud of its sons and faithful men who prove constantly dedication and devotion to the homeland service."

They noted the UAE integrates heritage, customs and traditions with future vision of the nation in a balance that achieves development and the excellence and creativity in all fields, as well as keeps the identity and authenticity of the UAE and its loyal people.

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