(MENAFN- Khaleej Times)

UAE heritage took centre stage at City Walk on Monday afternoon, as thousands of residents gathered to celebrate Eid Al Ittihad with one of the most colourful parades of the year.

The parade began at 4pm from the Coca-Cola Arena junction, with the Dubai Police band opening the march. Their drums and brass set the pace as the perfectly synchronised marchpast followed behind them. The crowd moved along with the rhythm, walking beside the band as they made their way through City Walk.

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Right behind the marchers came Dubai Police officers on horses, each rider holding the UAE flag high. The popular K9 unit followed next, with trainers marching beside their dogs. A shiny Rolls-Royce with the registration number 8 led a line of Dubai Police supercars - another crowd favourite.

City Walk's interior roads were temporarily closed to regular traffic as families, tourists and long-time residents filled the streets. Many wore traditional Emirati clothes, while others dressed in the colours of the UAE flag. Children in mini kanduras, abayas, and UAE-themed outfits waved flags. Everywhere, phones were held high as people recorded the parade.

Among the crowd was Fatima, who drove with her family from Fujairah to attend the parade.

“We come every year as one family during the National Day holiday to Dubai, but this time felt even more special,” she said.“Seeing the horses and the Al-Ayyala dancers makes you feel proud. The energy here brings people of every nationality together.”

Umm Al Quwain resident Rashid al Hussam said he wanted his children to see the heritage groups up close.

“I wanted them to watch the Ayyala, the fishermen, the wooden falcons... these are all parts of who we are,” he said.“The moment the maps of the seven emirates came together under the huge UAE flag, my daughter was excited seeing different emirates joined together.”

Indian resident Maria Sebastian, who came with her two young sons, said she chose City Walk because of the mixed community atmosphere.“You see Emiratis, Russians, Filipinos, Pakistanis, and Chinese, everyone celebrating together,” she said.“I wanted my kids to witness that unity.”

Celebration of UAE culture

Following the police units, the parade shifted into full Emirati heritage mode. Al-Ayyala dancers performed their traditional stick dance, followed by performers in UAE flag-coloured outfits. Performers were also dressed up in traditional Emirati fishermen's outfits, showcasing how fishing was done in the early days.

After the fishermen, a group marched forward holding wooden falcons, symbolising the UAE's deep connection to strength and heritage. One of the most striking moments of the parade came when a massive foam UAE flag was carried by performers who carried individual foam maps of each emirate. As they reached the centre, the maps were placed together one by one, forming the full UAE map under the giant flag.

By the time the band looped back through the junction, City Walk had transformed into a moving festival of culture, colour and pride.

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