Rulers of the Emirates, dignitaries and officials attend the National Day celebration in Abu Dhabi.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The official celebration of the 48th National Day began with the national anthem of the UAE in the presence of thousands of residents in Abu Dhabi.

Under the patronage of the President of the UAE Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and Rulers of the Emirates witness the celebration of the 48th National Day under the title ‘Legacy of our Ancestors’ at Zayed Sports City Stadium.

The show took the audience on a vivid journey of the UAE’s heritage through a series of stories highlighting values of courage, determination, generosity, and tolerance, which have been long embedded in the UAE’s national and social fabric and have been passed down through generations.

The epic scale of this production has been brought to life by the efforts of many dedicated individuals coming from diverse backgrounds and cultures, a true reflection of co-existence and tolerance which are key components of the UAE’s social inclusion, with more than 200 nationalities living in harmony.

Showing the generous and welcoming Emirati identity, this year’s celebration will welcome 20,000 attendees, both citizens and residents, who will together express their love and pride for the UAE.

Arab League congratulates UAE on 48th National Day, lauds its support for Arab issues

The Arab League congratulated the UAE on the occasion of its 48th National Day.

Ambassador Hossam Zaki, Assistant Secretary-General of the Arab League, expressed the appreciation of the Cairo-based

pan-Arab organisation for the journey of the UAE, as well as its role in achieving social and economic development for its

citizens and in reinforcing the values of tolerance, coexistence and human solidarity.

Zaki said, "The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan established the foundations of this approach."

He also praised the UAE’s key role in supporting Arab causes.