UAE National Day – Amazing Adventure

Celebrations for the 38th UAE National Day took place across the country. The country was awash with color, as parades, flags and brightly colored illuminations appear everywhere in the UAE. According to Gulf News report series of events took place in all of the major cities in the UAE on Wednesday, December 2, 2009. Patriotic fervor spilled on to the streets on Wednesday as UAE nationals and expatriates together celebrated to mark the UAE National Day. Many enjoyed a day off work at various places like parks, beaches, shopping malls and various other spots along with this car horns reverberated around popular residential districts as residents celebrated in style.

Parade of decorated cars in Abu Dhabi

Like most expats, Mr. Morlyn came to the UAE looking for something new yet familiar 3years ago. The Philippines-born saw Dubai as an exotic place to live that wasn’t too far off from his comfort zone, and now 3 years after his arrival, he reflects on his new life and adopted home. Looking at his spirit of celebrating UAE National Day, when asked what UAE National Day means to him he has to say “I enjoy the quality of life here for so many reasons, “You always feel safe in this country; whether it’s leaving your phone or wallet lying around or walking the streets at night.” “The place has a lot of potential, and it’s nice to say that you were here at the start,” he added.

Mr. Morlyn celebrates UAE National Day

Many expatriates away from their own homelands relish the essence of National Day by celebrating UAE National Day. “Abu Dhabi has been home to my family and I for the last 19 years,” says student, Sumaira Rafique. “We have a great social circuit, full of friends and expatriates families like us, and there’s very little space and time to get bored,” she added.

Miss Sumaira enjoying with freinds on National Day

The social aspect of the city is also very endearing to many expatriates; many learn patience in this part of world due to language barriers and many are happy learning about diverse cultures of expatriates living in UAE.

Mr. Tanveer relish the moment of patriotism

"This is important for us; every year we get a chance to stop and celebrate that we live in the best country in the world," says Mr. Tanveer, CEO of Al Batha Used Cars. Likewise many other expatriates were seen lined up on both sides of Abu Dhabi Corniche Boulevard to enjoy a parade marking 38 years of the Emirates' birth. From national policewomen on sports bikes to Emirati horsemen, the carnival was buzzing with UAE flags, its leaders' pictures and models of the country's landmarks.

Mr. Hakeem selling props on National Day

Along with the joyous celebrations UAE National Day proved a surplus business for small vendors. Mr. Hakeem, a Pakistani, selling props relating to UAE National Day says “I have visited this country just 2 years back and I’m earning very well compared to my homeland.” “Locals and expatriates are spending a lot on this extravaganza which is a good sign for me and I also get to enjoy their National Day”.

Life in Dubai has its ups and downs like anywhere some people take it roughly while others go smooth. But of course a comparison of expatriates homelands and Dubai would be incomplete if they don’t discuss the weather. Despite the often overwhelming humidity of the summer months, the year-round sunshine certainly beats the relentless rain that is characteristic of many homelands.

Eid Al Adha- A Global Occasion

Eid Al Adha in UAE celebrated on 27th of November 2009 marks the completion of the annual pilgrimage, known as the Hajj, which takes place in Kaaba, in Mecca, which, according to Quran, is the house of God and was rebuilt by Prophet Abraham. During the celebration of Eid al-Adha, Muslims commemorate and remember Abraham's trials, by themselves slaughtering an animal such as a sheep, camel, or goat.

Mohammed Laraib with his cow

Mohammed Laraib when asked about his feeling regarding the slaughtering of his animal, he said “I purchased my cow three days prior to Eid and I love taking care of it”, he also said “Allah has given us power over animals and allowed us to eat meat, but only if we pronounce His name at the solemn act of taking life and the meat is given to others especially to poor people which is a symbol of giving up our own bounties”.

Global Village, major attraction during Eid days

Apart from ritual act of slaughtering Eid celebrations in UAE were at its peak, one of the major attractions during the two days of Eid was Global Village which exuded a carnival atmosphere of non-stop fun and entertainment. Global village, welcomed its visitors warmly promising the complete package of entertainment and adventure through its various attractions.

Mr. Nitin shopping at china pavilion

Global Village’s shopaholic’s delight, the Pavilions are where craftsmen and tradesmen of the world come together to display and sell their wares. “Every penny I’m spending is worth because the most unique element of Global Village is the pavilions where I can buy merchandise of countries around the world without actually traveling there” says Mr. Nitin, a shopper at China Pavilion.

An African performer

Along with these major attractions there were many performances which represented their respective cultures. The most energetic and dynamic performance was done by African performers attracting large population at global village by celebrating African culture as a whole through music, dance and costume - an exhilarating addition to the entertainment program.

Mouth watering cuisines from the world

How can one go without trying the flavors of the world with large amount of restaurants, cafes, and kiosks scattered all over the venue. The most populated restaurants were Indian and Pakistani restaurants offering their most famous spicy and mouth watering kababs and various other delicious cuisines.

Well the day is celebrated with families, relatives and friends. Dressing up in new apparels, giving gifts to young ones and preparing sweets at home are the marks of celebration of this prosperous occasion. Eid celebrations does not only brought a joyous festive for Muslims but also a good break from everyday routine to for every individual of UAE.