Thousands of Emiratis unite at Al Wathba on December 4 for the Union March, celebrating heritage, culture, and national pride / Image Credit: Emirati Times
Drums, chants, and fluttering flags will soon fill the air at Al Wathba as thousands of Emiratis unite for the UAE’s grand Union March 2025 on December 4 — a breathtaking annual spectacle where tradition, pride, and national identity stride together in perfect rhythm.
Celebrating emirati heritage: The meaning behind the Union March
The UAE Union March is more than a parade, it’s a living celebration of Emirati identity. Every December, Emiratis from across the nation gather to showcase their unity through traditional songs, dances, and tribal processions, carrying flags and wearing national attire. What makes it powerful is the emotion, loyalty, belonging, and shared pride. Last year’s march saw over 120 tribes participate, joined by falconers, drummers, and horse riders. Performances of Al Ayyala, Al Razfa, and Al Nadba created a rhythmic pulse of heritage.Aerial displays by the UAE Air Force and moving poetry recitations made it more than a spectacle; it became a reflection of the UAE’s journey from tribal unity to global modernity.
UAE Union March 2025: Date, venue, and registration details
The Presidential Court announced that the Union March 2025 will take place on December 4 at the Sheikh Zayed Festival grounds in Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi. This year’s edition aligns with the UAE’s 54th Union Day celebrations, continuing the legacy of unity initiated by the Founding Fathers. Registration Details:
- Dates: October 19 – 26, 2025
- For: UAE citizens only
- How to Register: Through tribal coordinators or the toll-free number 800 3300
- Timings: 9 a.m.–1 p.m. and 4 p.m.–7 p.m. daily
Participation is organised through tribal representatives, ensuring each region and family line is represented in the march — a tradition that honours lineage while embracing the nation’s inclusive spirit.
What to expect at UAE Union March 2025: Program highlights
The 2025 edition promises an even more immersive experience at Al Wathba:
- Traditional Processions: Horse and camel cavalcades led by tribal leaders.
- Cultural Performances: Al Ayyala and Al Razfa drumming, Emirati poetry recitals, and live folk ensembles.
- Aerial Salute: Air Force jet formations and flag-coloured smoke trails.
- Family Spirit: Emirati families, students, and youth volunteers celebrating national pride together.
- Evening Festivities: The event will blend seamlessly into the Sheikh Zayed Festival, offering food stalls, crafts, and fireworks.
Visitors can expect a deeply emotional and visual celebration, one that reminds every spectator that the UAE’s story is written not just in its buildings but in its people.
History of the UAE Union March
The UAE Union March began in the years after the nation’s founding in 1971, as a simple gathering where tribes came together to express unity and loyalty to the new federation. What started as a traditional parade of camel riders, drummers, and flag bearers gradually evolved into a national celebration led by the Presidential Court, reflecting the UAE’s growing sense of shared identity.By the early 2000s, it became a formal highlight of Union Day celebrations, symbolising the bond between leadership and citizens. Held mostly at Al Wathba in Abu Dhabi, it now runs alongside the Sheikh Zayed Festival, blending culture, heritage, and national pride. Today, the march stands as a living tribute to Sheikh Zayed’s vision of unity, honouring the UAE’s journey from tribal roots to a modern, confident nation.Mark your calendars: UAE Union March 2025; full guide to date, timings, venue, registration details Go to Source
