Dubai’s City Walk district underwent a remarkable transformation on Monday afternoon as thousands of residents converged to celebrate Eid Al Etihad through one of the year’s most vibrant cultural parades. The spectacle commenced at 4 PM from the Coca-Cola Arena junction, featuring the Dubai Police band leading the procession with synchronized drum and brass performances that set the rhythmic foundation for the entire event.
The parade evolved into a moving exhibition of Emirati heritage, with Dubai Police officers on horseback proudly displaying the national flag, followed by the popular K9 unit and an impressive display of police supercars. Interior roads of City Walk were temporarily closed to accommodate the diverse crowd of families, tourists, and long-term residents, many adorned in traditional Emirati attire or UAE flag-colored clothing.
The cultural segment showcased Al-Ayyala dancers performing traditional stick dances, performers in historical fishermen’s outfits demonstrating early fishing techniques, and participants carrying wooden falcons symbolizing the nation’s strength and heritage. One of the most poignant moments occurred when performers carried individual foam maps of each emirate, assembling them beneath a massive UAE flag to form the complete national map.
Attendees from across the UAE and various nationalities expressed overwhelming pride in the unifying atmosphere. Fatima, who traveled from Fujairah with her family, noted the special energy that brought people of every nationality together. Rashid al Hussam from Umm Al Quwain emphasized the importance of exposing children to traditional heritage groups, while Indian resident Maria Sebastian highlighted the unique community atmosphere where Emiratis, Russians, Filipinos, Pakistanis, and Chinese celebrated together.
The event successfully transformed City Walk into a dynamic festival of culture, color, and national pride, demonstrating the UAE’s ability to blend tradition with modernity while fostering cross-cultural unity.