On 2 December 1971, six of the seven emirates merged into one state, now known as the United Arab Emirates. A year later, Ras Al Khaimah also joined the UAE. In a short period, the UAE has turned from an desolate desert land inhabited by Bedouin tribes into a powerful, economically developed union, with one of the highest living standards not only in the Middle East, but also in the world.

National Day celebrations last two days. Everyone takes part in it: both indigenous people (of which no more than 20%), and emigrants. More than 5,000 national flags, symbols of freedom and prosperity, adorn the streets of cities and villages. Abu Dhabi hosts an air show: the huge UAE flag flies up into the sky and is towed by helicopter. The colours of the banner are very symbolic: white means the future, black means the past, red means blood shed for freedom and green is the colour of life and Islam. Everything around is coloured in the national colours.
As we previously reported, Ilyumzhinov met with a friend, businessman Rafi Nourafchan in Dubai. Here is what Mr Nourafchan wrote about Kirsan Nikolaevich on his page on Instagram:
“Pleasure spending UAE National Day with @kirsan_ilyumzhinov, a truly fascinating individual, diplomat and polymath. The first president of the Republic of Kalmykia, located on shores of the Caspian Sea and the only Buddhist region in Europe. President of FIDE, the international governing body of chess. And for good measure, he has a main-belt named after him: “5570 Kirsan”.