RIYADH: Citizens and expats in the United Arab Emirates are set to celebrate the country’s 45th National Day.

Staff at the UAE’s two major airlines, Emirates and Etihad, as well as friends and family joined a street festival at the home of Etihad Aviation Group as part of the celebrations.

Chocolates will be handed out to passengers on Etihad flights leaving Abu Dhabi on Dec. 2, and on long-haul flights the airline’s Flying Nannies will be on hand to face-paint the UAE flag.

Guests in Business and First Class arriving in Abu Dhabi on Dec. 2 from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) destinations will receive a gift box including traditionally inspired perfumes.

The Abu Dhabi Police Music Band played the national anthem at a marquee event outside the group’s head office, with attendees enjoying Emirati dancing and traditional cuisine, and a UAE-themed photo exhibition.

Hareb Almuhairy, Etihad Aviation Group’s senior vice president for corporate and international affairs, said: “As we near the 45th anniversary of the UAE, it is a time to remember the founders of the country and to draw inspiration from the ‘Spirit of the Union.’ This country means so much in so many different ways to its diverse population.”

Almuhairy added: “Etihad Airways has worked closely with the government to help develop the country into a hub for aviation, hospitality, culture and commerce. UAE National Day is about celebrating these colossal achievements and looking forward to the exciting times ahead.”

Food trucks and stalls were set up, and the Etihad Airways Nursery organized a children’s play area.

Local businesses were given the opportunity to display their products and services, alongside the Abu Dhabi Business Women Council and other entrepreneurs.

The Emirates Heritage Club brought falcons, camels and horses to the event, and representatives from the UAE General Women’s Union helped women display homemade perfumes and woven goods.

The Emirates Group celebrated the National Day with a spectrum of activities in Dubai. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airline and Group, took part in a cake-cutting ceremony at the group’s headquarters, viewed a local dance performance, and strolled through the heritage house. He also unveiled a collage of 1,400 aircraft.

“UAE National Day is a time for people from all backgrounds to experience a glimpse of UAE culture,” said Ahmed.

“I am proud to see our Emirati and expat colleagues come together to celebrate the UAE’s spirit of patriotism and unity together.”

Employees and their families at the Emirates Group headquarters participated in the Emirati heritage bazaar, which included henna art, Arabic calligraphy, handicrafts, local cuisine and a ‘selfie’ wall. Children were entertained with face-painting and other activities.

The government said on Wednesday that parking would be free in Abu Dhabi and Dubai over the long weekend break.

Dubai malls are hosting 30 international folk bands, as well as traditional fashion and art shows. There will be children’s workshops, games and art activities promoting unity and belonging.

More than 1,200 people are taking part in a mammoth walk through all seven emirates, musically accompanied by 17 bands from around the world. The walk began on Tuesday in Dubai, and will end in Abu Dhabi on Dec. 5. There will be a running race on Friday at Meydan, Dubai, with runners carrying UAE flags.

Dubai Festival City will host its first outdoor concert at Festival Bay, with Emirati singer Shamma Hamdan performing. On Friday, a National Day projection will light up the nearby Intercontinental Hotel.

One of the highlights of this year’s celebrations in Dubai is the inaugural National Day Super Sale, with discounts of up to 90 percent. Local and regional music icons will perform live at various free concerts.