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The United Arab Emirates has been celebrating its 43rd anniversary. Special artworks have been commissioned to mark National Day. In the shadow of the iconic Burj Al Arab Hotel, two thousand flags flutter in the breeze. They've been planted on Umm Suquiem beach to celebrate the 43rd anniversary of the formation of the United Arab Emirates. The field of flags has been created by the Dubai Media Office. And Emiratis and expats have come to the beach to see the installation. Ayesha Al Hamoudi, an Emirati, says: "It was a nice surprise because every year they do things that people never expect. Things that are inventive and innovative. A person can't expect that they would put the flags next to the sea, so it is a great thing. It represents hope and it shows that the Emirates is still thinking of doing stuff for its people even if it is something simple." Close by is another celebratory work. This is the longest graffiti scroll in the world according to the Guinness Book of World Records. It measures more than 2,245 metres (1.4 miles) and chronicles the journey of the UAE. The artwork was commissioned by Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council to commemorate national day. Obaid Almansouri explains why the day is so important: Today is the National Day. We are celebrating the 43rd anniversary of the year that the UAE was formed from the seven emirates by the Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid, may they rest in peace and their ruling brothers. Today is a day we celebrate just as much as the Islamic Eid." And it's not just Emiratis who are marking the date. Expats are enjoying the day too. Sachi Kunnumman has been an UAE resident for the last 35 years. He says: "I think this is my own country. I celebrated here more than I celebrated in India which is my home country." The United Arab Emirates was formed in 1971 after Britain withdrew from the region. You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/youtube/795b4a8954c801a2a2dc81585b56d4c5 Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork