UAE National Day

Today is the UAE National Day; a day when Emiratis celebrate that 41 years ago, they gained full independence from the UK and set up the unification of the seven emirates.

United Arab Emirates National day, as with all other holidays, is celebrated with by a long 4 day weekend for workers in public office (and most private companies take this up also).

Throughout the Emirates, flags and car stickers are sold; transforming cars to bespoke models by those whom cover the cars in them.  Younger adults, normally males, drive around town blaring their music and bibbing their horns until the early hours - Much like the Italians do when they win a football match!

It is lovely to see just how patriotic this young country is.  Buildings are lit up in red, green and white, fairy lights are strewn on public highways and everyone is out to have a good time.  Expats, though they may celebrate the long weekend differently, are not forgotten... Last night, both Ian and myself received a text welcoming us to the UAE and reminding us that this is a day of 'joy and pride in which we remember the journey' that the UAE has taken so far and which it continues to do.  

Whilst some may scoff at this, I thought that this was a lovely gesture - A little goes a long way to make you feel welcomed when you move somewhere new!  We all know that the UAE has a great vision, and wants to empower it's own people, but what many do not know, is that it wants to do so, whilst learning the lessons that other countries in the developed world have, and embrace their ideas and assistance.  

I know Ian would cringe at me writing this, despite him agreeing with the sentiment, but we are both excited to be a part of it all.  I have heard the UAE (particularly Dubai) being called the place where dreams are made.  When I look at the country with all the people we have met here, and what they have all achieved, I completely agree.