Sheikh Hamdan leads Union march

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, today led a grand Union March in Dubai on the occasion of the UAE's 37th National Day.

The spectacular parade drew the participation of board members of Dubai Executive Council, heads of government departments, a large number of civil servants, professionals, and students, as well as scores of citizens and residents.

Matching steps with the patriotic tunes played by the majestic Dubai Police Band, the parade moved from the Jumeirah Center along the Jumeirah Beach Road to finish off at the Union Square, where the band struck the UAE National Anthem to signal the start of the official programme. The Union Square holds a historic significance as the UAE flag was raised there for the first time 37 years ago to mark the fruition of the vision of the founding fathers, the late Sheikh Zayed Bin

Sultan Al Nahyan and the late Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum.

In his National Day address, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed extended his greetings to the UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Their Highnesses, the Rulers of other emirates and Members of the Supreme Council, the Crown Princes, Deputy Rulers, and the people of the UAE. He emphasised the importance of the declaration of the Union and its impact on the citizens.


Parade

Speaking at the Union house after the parade, Saeed Al Nabouda, Chief Projects Officer of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority said: "The Union House was witness to the very formation of the UAE nation and so holds a place of special importance in the hearts and minds of every national."

He added: "The parade we are holding on National Day at the Union House reflects the deep significance this location has in the history and culture of the UAE."

And noted that: "At the heart of our activities at the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority is the effort to promote national identity and celebrate the pride that citizens.