On the 2nd of December, a date etched in the hearts of those calling the United Arab Emirates home, National Day unfolds as a collective celebration. It’s a mosaic of cultures and stories, shared by people of diverse nationalities who have been part of the UAE’s remarkable journey. As we raise our flags, we commemorate not just a nation’s milestones but the deep personal tales of growth.

My parents, arriving in 1989, were witnesses to a Dubai quite different from today’s bustling metropolis. It was a modest desert coast, the Trade Center standing as a lone sentinel, and Sheikh Zayed Road a humble two-way road. In those early days, dreams of UAE’s transformation were etched into the winds that swept across the dunes.

That modest road, now the iconic Sheikh Zayed Road, symbolizes the UAE’s meteoric rise. Our collective experiences paint vibrant pictures of a city emerging from the sands, each skyscraper a testament to the visionaries turning aspirations into reality. What was once a solitary trade center now stands amid a skyline adorned with marvels like the Burj Khalifa.

Growing up in Dubai, I witnessed innovation becoming the cornerstone of this transformation. Buildings sprouted in mere months, and artificial islands emerged, tales of determination where visionaries took risks defying conventional norms.

The metro stations connecting Dubai were once discussed at office desks, plans etched in blueprints. Diversifying the economy, from oil dependency to a vibrant mix of industries, was a dream nurtured through uncertainties and unwavering commitment.

As we celebrate UAE National Day, it’s not just a commemoration; it’s a personal journey reliving the stories of a city and nation growing with us. The past isn’t forgotten; it’s the foundation upon which the present stands. The once endless desert is now a mosaic of cultures, echoing the resilience and tolerance embedded in the nation’s DNA.

Having witnessed the impossible as I grew up in the UAE allows me to infuse hope into the vision the leaders have planned for the future, epitomized in the aspiration to represent the UAE as “Ambassadors of the Future.”

So, as we raise our flags on this UAE National Day, let’s celebrate not just the milestones but the personal tales of growth. The journey from a simple two-way road to a cosmopolitan marvel mirrors the collective journey of families and businesses that call the UAE home.