'We Love You, UAE!': Residents Celebrate Eid Al Etihad In Colourful Parade

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times)

City Walk transformed into a vibrant celebration of unity on Monday (December 1) as residents from around the world came together to celebrate Eid Al Etihad. Participants from Russia, the Philippines, India, Pakistan, China, Turkey, and many other countries marched side by side, waving flags and cheering for the UAE.

During the Eid Al Etihad parade, crowds lined the walkways, many dressed in UAE colours, waving flags, and capturing the lively performances on their phones. Residents travelled from across the country to take part in the festivities.

' We feel at home here'

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Russian resident Varvara Petrova, who wore a traditional platok scarf, said marching in the parade made her feel connected to the UAE.“I have lived here for 4 years. When we walk in the parade, it shows how the UAE welcomes everyone,” she said.

Mary Marisol, who joined the Filipino community group, said they wanted to express their gratitude.“We chanted 'We love UAE' because we mean it. This country has given us so much. It felt good to celebrate together,” she said.

Meanwhile, Pakistani resident Bilal Ahmed, who came with friends, said the mix of cultures was the highlight.“You see people from every country walking together and with love and brotherhood,” he said.“Only the UAE has this kind of unity.”

Colourful mix of performances

The parade featured a dazzling array of performances from the participating communities. An Indian community band set the tone with upbeat music as they marched, followed by energetic Filipino groups chanting 'UAE, we love you!'

Chinese performers then took the spotlight with a graceful umbrella dance that drew loud cheer from the crowd. Right behind them, Russian women and men walked in traditional hats and scarves, adding a colourful touch to the parade.

Pakistani groups cheered and waved their flags proudly as they passed, while Turkish residents joined in carrying both the Turkish and UAE flags, showing their love for the country they now call home.

Children wearing UAE-coloured clothes waved small flags and smiled at every passing group. Many families kept stopping to take photos and videos as each community performed.

Celebration of belonging

Ayesha Khan, Al Nahda resident said that she brought her children so they could see how many cultures live together in the UAE.

“It felt like a big family from different countries. My kids loved seeing everyone cheering for the UAE.”

As the parade from different nationalities continued, chants of 'We love UAE was heard through City Walk, showing how strongly residents feel connected to the country they now call home.

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