Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Every Saturday at 6pm, Abu Dhabi's Wahat Al Karama comes alive in a moving display of national pride and unity.
As the UAE flag rises and flutters against the evening sky, citizens, residents and visitors stand in quiet respect. A military band fills the air with ceremonial music, while a cavalry parade moves in synchrony across the grounds, adding to the solemn yet uplifting atmosphere.
Hosted by the Fallen Heroes' Affairs Office, the weekly ceremony - launched on April 4 -showcases the UAE's cherished traditions in tribute to the nation's heroes.
Open to families and the wider community, the programme reinforces Wahat Al Karama's role as a national memorial while strengthening its position as a national and tourism landmark.
It offers visitors not only a visual spectacle, but also a meaningful encounter with the country's history, values, and collective memory.
For Meitha Al Marzouqi, who attended the ceremony, the experience was both moving and reassuring. "Such initiatives send a message to the world, [reflecting a country] that will always remain strong," she said.
Faris Al Falahi said that just being present in such gatherings, he is able to express how proud he is to be in the UAE.
Fahad Cheloopadan, another attendee, also spoke of the emotional impact. "We felt proud as we watched the ceremony". It evoked a sense of unity and security, he added, as he conveyed his gratitude to the country's leadership.
For Tawfiq Saad, the ceremony carried a deeper meaning. "It is much more than just a performance," he said. "It is a landmark that tells the story of the country and reflects the values on which the nation is built."
He added that it highlights principles such as tolerance, love and coexistence - an experience that he said had strengthened his sense of pride and belonging and inspired him to share its message with others.
