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 DhabiLike 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.
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