“Our Union started as a dream at the hands of visionary people.”

With those wise words (and a few others) His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum celebrated the UAE’s 46th National Day, marking the anniversary of the union of the seven Emirates in 1971.

Sheikh Mohammed wasn’t alone – big names around the country got involved. Think flags, family, and a spot of patriotism. We’ve rounded up some of the best shots from around the country.

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#UAE46 ❤️🇦🇪 #اليوم_الوطني46

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Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum shared this striking shot to celebrate the holiday.

‏تحل على دولة الامارات وشعبها الكريم والمقيمين على أرضها الطيبة الذكرى ال٤٦ للاتحاد . ‏أيام وطنية عظيمة نجدد فيها الوعد والعهد … ونشحذ فيها الهمم .. ونعد ونستعد لعام اتحادي قادم نصل فيه لقمم جديدة بروح واحدة .. وكفريق واحد .. وتحت علم ودستور ورئيس واحد .. حفظهم الله .. نشكر الله على نعمة الاتحاد .. وأن يكون شكر الله على نعمة الاتحاد بالعمل على الحفاظ عليها، وتوحد البيت، وترسيخ المنجز، وحماية المكتسب، ونشر الخير ، وبث الأمل، وتربية أجيال تحمل هذه الأمانة وتصونها لأعوام عديدة ومديدة. حفظ الله دولة الامارات .. وحفظ الله شعبي .. وحفظ الله أمتنا.. Congratulations to the people and residents of the UAE on our 46th National Day; each National Day is a chance for us to renew our commitment to achieving our greatest ambitions as one team.

A post shared by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (@hhshkmohd) on

Sheikh Mohammed shared these images on both Twitter and Instagram, calling for unity and congratulating the people of the UAE. However, our favourite shot from the ruler of Dubai came via his media office…

zayed

Alongside this shot of him with his father, HH Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Sheikh Mohammed honoured the people of the UAE.

“The UAE is getting more prosperous over the years thanks to the tireless efforts made by our men and women who hold the name of the United Arab Emirates in high esteem in their hearts, translating their love for their nation in word and deed,” he wrote. Well said.

hamdan

As well as posting about the day on social media, Sheikh Hamdan released a statement focusing on the next generation.

“The United Arab Emirates has grown into a multicultural society that gives the highest importance to the values of peace, tolerance and acceptance,” he wrote.

“The founding fathers of our beloved country believed in the unlimited potential of the youth. The youth of our country represent hope, optimism, positive energy, innovation, and openness.”

Actress Lindsay Lohan, who’s called Dubai home for about a year now, also posted on the day.

Happy 46th National Day UAE 🇦🇪❤ كل عام و الإمارات بكل خير

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Great shot.

Here’s to the bright future of the UAE.

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Images: Instagram, Dubai Media Office