Rulers attend the National Day celebrations in Abu Dhabi on Friday. WAM

Also attending were His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai; His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah; His Highness Sheikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman; His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah; His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Rashid Al Mu'alla, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Umm Al Quwain; and His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah.

Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid and Sheikh Sultan during the ceremony. WAM

The UAE leaders were accompanied by Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai; Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah; Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah; Sheikh Ammar Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman; Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah; Sheikh Rashid Bin Saud Bin Rashid Al Mu'alla, Crown Prince of Umm Al Quwain; and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah.

The ceremony highlighted the UAE's achievements in space.

Their Highnesses Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates, Crown Princes, Deputy Rulers and Sheikhs congratulated Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed on the UAE’s 51st National Day, and wished him prolonged health and happiness, and continued success in leading the country on the path of prosperity and development. 

Children take part in the show.

The Official Celebration kicked off to the sounds of the UAE national anthem, performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra along with several Emirati musicians. This was followed by a segment commemorating the late Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, which showcased his lasting impact as a leader, whose reign saw countless achievements in environmental preservation, sustainability, technology, economic development, education, among others.

Children perform during the ceremony.

The grand event also featured a number of tech-powered shows and performances highlighting a roster of the UAE's pioneers in various fields; as well as a wide range of thrilling segments spotlighting the UAE's past and present, and its bold and ambitious initiatives and plans for the future.

Earlier during the day, President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed has received cables of congratulations from kings, presidents and emirs of brotherly and friendly countries on the UAE's 51st National Day. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid also received similar greetings on the occasion.

A traditional dance performance under way.

Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, has attended the UAE's 51st National Day Official Celebration, held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

The celebration was also attended by the wives of several Sheikhs, prominent female figures and officials, and the wives of diplomats.

The celebration included a number of live traditional performances and shows that showcase the history of the UAE, its values and its achievements since its establishment.

At the end of the event, Sheikha Fatima expressed her appreciation for the event’s organisers and everyone who contributed to the event's success.

She also congratulated attendees, and UAE citizens and residents on the special occasion.

WAM