More than 133 Emirati tribes are taking part in the Union Parade at the Sheikh Zayed Festival site in Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi, on December 4, in celebration of the UAE's 54th National Day and as an expression of the deep love, loyalty, and appreciation the people of the UAE hold for their nation and leadership.

It is a national event that brings together the largest gathering of tribes in one place. Groups of tribespeople, from across the UAE, march while raising the UAE flag and chanting a variety of traditional folk songs, expressing their unity, cohesion, and national fabric, as well as their loyalty to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the nation's leadership.

Officials at the Presidential Court told Khaleej Times that the number of participating tribes has been increasing each year. This growth reflects the parade's success and its significance to the community. "Every year, we see new participants and even greater enthusiasm," they noted.

According to the Arabic newspaper Al Bayan, 120 tribes participated in the 51st National Day celebrations, attended by more than 10,000 people. In comparison, 133 tribes took part in the 53rd National Day celebrations.

This year's parade will feature new segments including traditional performances, folk displays, and youth-led showcases that reflect both the past and present in a unified spirit, with an organisation that is more refined and precise than ever.

The Union Parade aims to reinforce the spirit of the Unio, strengthen loyalty and belonging to the homeland, and send a message that the people of the UAE, across all tribes, stand united under the banner of the Union and the leadership. It also aims to showcase the cohesion of Emirati society and the strength of its social fabric to the world.

Earlier, the Presidential Court announced that the Union Parade, featuring tribespeople, to celebrate the UAE's 54th National Day, will be held at the Sheikh Zayed Festival site in Al Wathba on December 4, reflecting the people's pride, love, and loyalty to the nation and its leadership.

Officials said that coordination begins early with tribal elders and representatives. Each tribe has its own coordinator, and cooperation levels are consistently strong.

The parade plays a significant role in strengthening national identity, bringing together all generations, and connecting them to their heritage and history. It deeply instills the meaning of the Union in practice, not just in words.

A large turnout is expected this year, in terms of both participants and spectators, with artistic and heritage performances representing the different environments of the UAE - sea, desert, and mountains.

The role of the Presidential Court in organising the event includes complete oversight of planning, coordination, and follow-up from preparation to the conclusion of the parade. This includes security and the management of all tribal segments, ensuring that the parade presents an image befitting the name of the UAE.

Coordination with tribes is carried out through advance meetings and clear plans for procession routes, entry and exit timings, and close cooperation with security and organisational authorities to ensure that the parade is 100 per cent safe and well-organised.

There are also accompanying initiatives aimed at promoting heritage awareness, such as educating the public about traditional customs, preserving folk practices, and engaging youth in the activities so they can learn more about their history and take pride in it.

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