UAE National Day celebrations have lit up the country with special day parades, family picnics, or getaways thanks to the long weekend. However, some people are still hard at work on this special day, serving the nation and celebrating in their own way.

Emirati pilot Ahmed will be flying high in the skies during the National Day, December 2, away from his family and country. For him, it’s business as usual, as with many of his colleagues. “Many of (them) are on duty. There are many others in different fields who work during National Day or even Eid holidays,” he explained.

The Sharjah native usually celebrates it when he’s at home with his family, not necessarily on December 2.  “We might gather with family a day or two earlier, as long as everyone is in the country,” he said.

On the aircraft itself, there aren’t celebrations, he said, but there are special occasions held in his office.

“My work is something small that I give back to my country, whether it’s on National Day or any other day, in return for all the opportunities, support, and facilities the nation has provided for us,” he said.

Celebrating in the seas

Faisal Al Mansoori, barge captain at an offshore oil rig, celebrated Eid Al Etihad with his peers by raising the UAE flag so that it’s visible for all to see. At the rig oil site, people came together to drink Arabic coffee, enjoy sweets and eat cake decorated with the nation’s flag.

“Sometimes we play national songs, and we share stories or memories related to service and the homeland. Even the foreign crew joins us, and we explain the meaning of the occasion to them. There’s always a nice spirit in the air,” he said.

He said that although he was working on National Day, it is still a part of celebrating the nation by serving it. “Real celebration isn’t just about songs and flags. The real celebration is standing in your place, keeping the work going, and protecting the country’s interests even if you’re far from your family."

He recalled how he missed the traditional way of celebrating, with drums and traditional chants, and people parading through the streets. “There is a bit of homesickness when we’re away from the country and our families while everyone is celebrating, but at the same time, we feel a lot of pride,” Al Mansoori said. “Because being here on site doesn’t mean being far from the nation, it is serving the nation.”

Noor Sher, a taxi driver from Pakistan, started his 12-hour shift from 5am and is still excited about National Day, despite being at work. He said he doesn’t mind it because it’s not too busy, as people are either in their homes and taking the day off.

Sher typically goes to the beach on National Day as a way to celebrate with others. He said he went there the night before starting his shift at Heera Beach, where crowds gathered for celebrations. He calls the UAE his second home, having lived here for over 20 years.