UAE's 38th National Day

The 2nd of December is the UAE's National Day. A variety of historical and cultural events is currently being held across the Emirates to mark the 38th anniversary. On top of it, it so happens that this year's Eid al Adha (Islamic festival of sacrifice) falls right after the National Day, so the country's filled with such a special, fun, happy, festive atmosphere!

Women preparing local sweets, often offered during the Eid, in a traditional setting

Rice Dish for Guests and Visitors

I visited a heritage site in Jumeira Beach Walk that was specially arranged for this occasion. I must say I cannot thank God enough for the very fact that the the formation of the UAE or the uniting of the 7 emirates happened to take place in the 'winter'! Hence unlike the 2 Eids, the National Day is always guaranteed to come in the loveliest season when everyone can enjoy the outdoors to the fullest extent given the pleasant mild and dry climate.

Stick Dance

Imagine had it been in the summer, I fear if the festival in the open would've been only half as much fun because of the burning heat of the sun coupled with the steam bath humidity of the Gulf..!

Dubai Prince is Guest of Honour: Ramadan Charity Dinner

HH Sheikh Maktoum (centre) is a Deputy Ruler of Dubai

This past Friday I was invited to a charity dinner. During Ramadan many such charity events are being held across the Muslim world since it is an obligation for Muslims to care for the poor and needy, and they are more encouraged to do so during the holy month.

I had been told this particular function was specially arranged for orphans, so the hall was filled with lots of young children. Other attendees included organising and support staff, accompanying adults, media and guests. The Emir of Dubai's third son, HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, was guest of honour at this charity dinner.

Dinner started at sunset as every healthy Muslim is required to observe fast during the month of Ramadan from dawn to sunset. Children are often encouraged to get used to this practice little by little from a fairly young age.

I had no idea if or to what extent those children were fasting, but as soon as the dinner started, every one of them rushed to the buffet counters and piled up their plates. Arab families are huge, almost everyone has several siblings on average. It's very unlikely that any of those children actually live in an orphanage; there must be other family members to raise and take care of them on behalf of their deceased parents.

On top of that, local people in the UAE are leading a very high standard of living, so hardly any children must be starving! I guess they just got a bit carried away. Given the very meaning of Ramadan and charity, the pity was that most of the children took way too much food to finish and ended up wasting much of it as a result. Oh well...

Children on the Stage

After the dinner, children stepped up to the stage one by one to shake hands and for a photo shoot with guest of honour, HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Deputy Ruler of Dubai. I left for home right before midnight but lots of children's games and programmes were still running one after another!