Every once in a while, you want to show the country that you live in that you are not merely a guest, but someone who is an active member of the community. You're not merely passing by, but someone who genuinely takes the time to appreciate and respect the years of effort, devotion and vision that went into the building of the place that you live in.

For the UAE, which hosts nearly 8 million expatriates, National Day is a great time to do this. And really, it's easy. 

Just try doing any of these 10 simple gestures that go a very long way. 

1. Raise your flag

Let’s start with the obvious! Raise the UAE’s flag on your office desk, on the door of your apartment or in your car.

2. Or wear a pin

Decorate your outfit with a small label pin in the shape of the UAE’s flag.

3. Say it in Emirati

If you are a non-Arabic speaker, then why not learn how to say “Happy National Day” in Arabic? Repeat after us: "Eid Ittihad Sae’ed."

5. A beautiful shot says a thousand words

Head to the Flag Garden on Jumeirah’s Kite Beach. Capture beautiful shots of the 4,000 flags arranged to create the shape of the UAE’s map. 

Don’t forget to post it on Instagram and use #UAENationalDay! 

5. Learn the UAE's National Anthem

Now this is an awesome way to celebrate this special occasion and be admired by your Emirati friends!

6. Host an Emirati themed soiré

Invite friends over for some machboos, regag, khabeesa and luqaimat. Then wash it all down with some karak tea or laban. Dance to the tunes of Mehad Hamad and Hussein Al Jasmi and why not have a Youla dance off? 

Dress code: strictly kandoora or abaya!

7. Take a trip down memory lane

See where the UAE's founding father Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan lived and worked. Take a trip to Al Ain Palace Museum, which was built in 1937. 

The museum houses a large collection of material about the ruling family. You can also tour the private rooms and gardens once occupied by the Father of the Nation.

8. Say it in sweets

Invite your colleagues or friends to a sweet treat! Buy a dozen of the National Day cupcakes, which come decorated with the UAE’s flag. Almost every bakery in the country offers them now.

9. Nail art if you wanna go all out

If you are a lady and wanna go all out, you can head to your nearest salon to create some beautiful nail art inspired by the UAE’s flag.

10. Roadtrip to somewhere in the UAE you've never been

The UAE is home to beautiful nature, so why not explore a new side of the country on National Day? Make a trip to one of the various natural sites the country has to offer, such as the golden Liwa desert, the magnificent Hafeet mountain, the lush oasis in Al Ain or the winding shores of Ras al Khaimah.