In pictures: UAE’s 50th National Day celebrations

The United Arab Emirates has marked its 50th year as a sovereign and federal state today (December 2).

The UAE national day celebrates the union of the seven emirates Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Umm al-Quwain, Ajman, Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah.

On this occasion, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, said, “What was once a state creation project, which many bet would not survive or grow, has today become a trailblazing and change-making state moving towards the future with greater steadfastness and bigger faith than ever, drawing upon a legacy of five decades of achievements, which left their marks deep in history.”

“Our march into the next 50 years will be more challenging and very ambitious. The best is yet to come,” he added.

Here are some pictures from the celebrations in the country.

Read: UAE’s 50th: Mapping the nation’s journey and the path forward