UAE | Embassy Receptions: Albania's Independence Day

Albania gained independence from the Ottoman Empire a century ago. I believe it wasn't long before the Embassy of Albania was set up in Abu Dhabi.

So the 100th anniversary of Albania's independence turned out to be a very special occasion indeed to mark their first reception here in the UAE.

Voilà!

Yesterday I went to a Ukrainian reception (in Abu Dhabi of course) and I was feeling pretty exhausted today. But since this was the very first reception organised by the Albanian Embassy, I felt obliged and thought I should duly attend.

Fried Scampi

I have no idea as to how big or small the Albanian community here in the UAE. The reception was a low-key affair with fewer attendees compared with receptions of other Embassies.

Albanian Flag on the Left.

I wondered if it was because the Embassy was very new and not many people may have been informed, or simply because their community is still a tiny minority. After all, Albania is a country of just 2 million people.

UAE | Embassy Receptions: Ukrain's Independence Day

Guest of Honour, HE Maryam Al Roomi, Minister of Social Affairs

The Embassy of Ukraine hosted a reception for their 20th anniversary on Sunday. Actually their Independence Day was back in August but this year the Holy Month of Ramadan fell in August, so, understandably they postponed the event.

Hors-d'Œuvre

I adore Eastern European cuisine!! In NY I would often go to the East Villege to savour delicious, old-fashioned homey meals.

There must be lots of Russian or Eastern European restaurants in the UAE because of the size of these communities here, but I have never tried any yet. Perhaps it's time I looked for some.

Ukrainian Boiled Dumplings, Varenyky (Perogy)

There were 2 types of varenyky; one stuffed with minced beef and the other with mashed potato and mushroom. Try them with lots of sour cream! There was also beetroot horseradish which was tangy and superb.

Ukrainian Meat Patties

Sadly there were no potato pancakes (deruny)... :( On the international buffet were satay, salmon in creamy sauce, chicken dishes and so forth.

Caviar was also offered, both the black and yellow types. I hate fish eggs, so I didn't touch them.

UAE | Embassy Receptions: ASEAN Night 2011

Thai Dance

Current ASEAN members include 10 countries, namely the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos.

Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos are yet to set up diplomatic presence in the UAE, hence the ASEAN event was organised by the remaining 7 states.

If you have ever travelled to South East Asia, you must have had a chance to go to a similar cultural/dance show. Today's performance has definitely reminded me of my days and fun memories of the tropical region.

I find South East Asia refreshingly exotic. For instance I've always fascinated by Malaysia. It's one of the few Muslim states in Asia, influence from the West and the East and Islam all contributed to its rich and colourful history.

Vietnamese Drum Dance

Before I shifted back to the Gulf, I'd spent 1 1/2 years in Singapore. To me Singapore was way too tiny and it didn't take long before I got cheesed off. So whenever I had an opportunity I would go to Malaysia or other neighbouring countries for a quick getaway. That was fantastic.

I love the fact that all these SE Asian countries preserve their traditions and heritage well. Their respective national dresses are colourful and eye-catching. Here in the Gulf, local Arabs too wear their own.

I think it's great and admirable to be able to maintain one's own identity and uniqueness so matter-of-factly, in such a simplest way.

At the Ambassador's residence, the stage and tables were arranged in the front garden. On the left stood a buffet station.

Bright and Colourful National Dresses

Cuisines of SE Asia are also something I can't resist! Once the performance started, so did the dinner!

Unlike the regular, 'stuffy' Embassy receptions, this was a truly laid-back, casual fun event. I had so much fun chatting with many guests.

I wish there were more such events!!

UAE | Embassy Receptions: Lebanon's Independence Day

Lebanese Chargée d'Affaires

The Republic of Lebanon became independent from France in 1943. It's an Arab state but almost half of the population is Christian and French is widely spoken. A reception was held at the Embassy on Tuesday.

Lebanese cuisine seems to signify the best of Arabic cuisine. Apparently most of the top Middle Eastern restaurants in the West are said to be Lebanese.

Middle Eastern Dish of Spiced Rice with Roast Lamb (or Chicken)

For example Egyptian or Yemeni food is homey food in terms of presentation, and may never be served in a fancy restaurant no matter how good it tastes.

Turkish food is also a popular Middle Eastern cuisine but Turkey itself is not an Arab state. They are Muslim but they don't speak Arabic either.

Chicken (right) and Lamb Shawarma Station

Shawarma must be a popular sandwich. You can get one for AED3～5 at any cafeteria. There was also crispy falafel.

I left the party around 22.00 to go back to Dubai. The Lebanese community must be big so there were still a lot of people in the garden enjoying themselves.

Long Buffet Table

UAE | Embassy Receptions: Oman's National Day

Invitation

Oman was established a year earlier than the UAE, so they are celebrating the 41st anniversary this year. When I arrived at the venue, it was already crowded with lots of Gulf Arab men!

Majority of attendees were Arab Men...

Today's guests of honour were amazing! HE Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, is a familiar figure in these receptions.

HH Sheikh Abdullah (green circle) and HE Sheikh Nahyan (blue)

In addition to him was HH Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs. Sheikh Abudullah is also a familiar face in the media but this was the very first time I had seen him in person. Wow!

Gorgeous, Handsome VIP (L) and HH Sheikh Abdullah

On my way to the hotel, I had just seen a Rolls-Royce and another car parked right by a roundabout close to the hotel. An Arab man in a bisht was about to step out of the Rolls-Royce and an Indian man was also standing by. It seemed like they had a minor accident (oh no!!).

Arabic sweets were excellent!

Judging from the way the Arab man was dressed, I am pretty convinced that he too was on the way to the reception - he must've been one of the VIPs.

Arabic Savoury Snacks and Pies Stuffed with Cheese, Spinach, Minced Lamb etc

I didn't recognise other guests of honour but I'm sure there were at least several über-VIPs of other royals and high-ranking government officials. The man I marked with a yellow arrow must be one of the VIPs and he was the most dashing one! lol

Typical Arabic Rice Dish with Roasted Lamb

This type of dish is often served on special occasions like weddings or during Ramadan. There were two types of rice but I had absolutely no idea what the difference was.

Here you go!

There were also an Omani squadron team and military or defence attachés, etc.

UAE | Embassy Receptions: Poland's Independence Day

I wasn't able to make it to this...

On 16th I had a Polish reception. I had a function in Abu Dhabi every evening this week, but it was just so hectic and tough to drive back and forth every day. I had to pass both the Brazilian and Angolan receptions.


This was my schedule for the week:

	Abu Dhabi	Dubai
13th	Indonesian Cultural Show	.
14th	Turkmen Reception & UAE 40th Anniversary Gala Dinner	.
15th	Brazilian Reception / Polish Concert	Italian Chamber of Commerce Reception
16th	Polish Reception	.
17th	Angolan Reception	Dinner

On Tuesday, there was a classic concert hosted by the Polish Embassy in Abu Dhabi as well as a reception in Dubai by Italian Chamber of Commerce. I went to the Italian reception and so did the Italian Ambassador.

I had also missed the meeting with the Polish delegation on 2nd, so I felt I really should attend this evening's reception!

Appetisers

I am very much interested in cultures of Central and Eastern Europe. When I lived in NY, I often went to Polish restaurants in the East Village.

In London, I remember a charming and cosy little restaurant called 'Daquise' in South Kensington (it was years ago and not sure if they are still open!).

I had great expectation of some tasty Polish dishes on the buffet today (lol) but to my shock and amazement, I found no pierogi or any authentic Polish food at all!  Oh no!!

Ok, ok, this is not New York and Polish food is not readily available... How very sad! :(

There was something rather unusual happened at this reception. Usually and customarily, after the Ambassador's opening speech, a cake-cutting ceremony would follow.

Invitation to the Reception

However, there was no cake and no nothing today. Why not?? I was told that for some reason, the UAE Ministry instructed all the embassies not to perform such cake-cutting ceremony at the diplomatic receptions from now on. Err, why not?? Mmm...??