Dubai's La Mer flooded with National Day colours and memories

From art works on display to flag-coloured ice-creams to people's attire - it was endless waves of celebration for the people who thronged Dubai's new sprawling beachfront La Mer in Jumeirah 1 on Friday for the National Day weekend. The national colours and 'I Love UAE' dominated the ambience of La Mer.

The south part of the newly opened beachfront and entertainment space welcomed the visitors with over 40 canvas paintings related to the UAE. The section is titled "Talking Walls" displayed works of artists of different nationalities giving out message of love, unity, peace and harmony. "These are paintings of different artists here just to support the UAE National Day. Every painting symbolises the happiness and unity of the UAE," Emirati painter Ahmed Al Falasi told Khaleej Times.

Al Falasi said his painting showed the importance of oceans and how we should not pollute them. Al Falasi who is also a diving enthusiast said: "I aim to educate people about the importance of keeping oceans clean through my artwork at the beach."

Indian national Bhairavi Mistry, another artist displaying her painting at the beachfront said she has been in the UAE for only four years but celebrates the national day of the UAE just as she celebrates her home country's independence day or republic day. "The UAE is my second home and I want to give my best to the country. Painting is my forte. My paintings are a tribute to the UAE on this National Day. I have been coming to this beach for the last three days to work on the paintings," said Mistry, just as she was starting work on her next painting 'live' at the La Mer beach.

Apart from the 46 graffiti canvases displayed at La Mer South, people also enjoyed the live Arabic bands, traditional Emirati dance performances, children's workshops creating themed gifts and loads of complimentary coffee and dates at the venue.

For French tourist Sofea, the whole experience of UAE National Day was so beautiful that she said she will definitely come back. "I loved the culture of this country. People are so welcoming and kind and I have not seen any National Day being celebrated with such fervour. I loved the paintings displayed here as each one has a beautiful story to tell about the UAE. Long live the people of the UAE," she said.

The evening concluded with a beautiful display of fireworks that lit up the Jumeirah skies in the colours of the flag.

Reporting by Saman Haziq