Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, attended yesterday the Union procession organised by the Ministry of Presidential Affairs at the Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival 2015 at Al Wathba area as part of the 44th National Day celebrations.

In attendance also were H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in the Western Region, H.H. Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Ruler`s Representative in the Eastern Region, H.H. Sheikh Surour bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, H.H. Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation, H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, H.H. Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chief of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince's Court, H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Advisor to the UAE President, and Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development.

The procession, which attracted large crowds from tribes across the country, passed through the grand stand amidst rendition of national songs and folkloric performances. Marchers held the UAE flags in a show of loyalty to, support for, and pride in the wise leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

As Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and Mohamed bin Zayed hailed the marchers, they reaffirmed that the UAE, under the leadership of President Khalifa, is proud of its loyal sons and men who always prove their dedication and loyalty in the service of their nation.

They added that the UAE blended its heritage and traditions into its future vision in a balanced approach that achieves development, excellence and innovation and also preserves its identity and originality