It’s that time of year again, when the streets come alive, awash with the colours that we have come to know and love – the red, white, green and black of the UAE. Those colours are everywhere: on buildings, placards, cars, clothes and even the faces of people, young and old alike celebrating together.

What’s more, it’s the one time of the year when expats – who are sometimes accused of insularity and an unwillingness to participate fully in the life and culture of the UAE – seem willing to forget their differences and join in the fun.

And fun there will be. In Abu Dhabi the centre of celebrations is always the Corniche, and this year is no exception. It will be filled with people and cars, noise and silly string, flags and horns (don’t even think about driving there unless you want to spend the evening inching along the road amid several hundred highly decorated vehicles).

This year the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage is again doing its bit, hosting a series of free events for all the family, from concerts and folk dance performances to a Carnival Parade and car decorating competition.

These celebrations are really a treat, and they are a great way to learn all about Emirati culture, if you’re not an expert already.

We’re always learning more about the country we live in. This week we discovered more about the history of perfume in the Emirates, and sat down with our readers to find out just how they would be celebrating National Day with their families – both national and non-national.

It was our birthday last week, so we know how it feels. Happy National Day, UAE!

Megan Wynes