United Arab Emirates celebrates its foundation day every 2nd of December. The celebrations were held concurrently in its seven emirates: Abu Dhabi (capital city), Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, Sharjah, Fujairah and Ajman. I went out to observe the celebration in Corniche (sort of like our Baywalk in Manila) this afternoon till almost midnight. The place and the people were very lively. Personally, I felt like I was in the Philippines during a New Year’s Eve. A lot of noise making, fireworks, etc. In the afternoon, while a dragonboat race was ongoing, a helicopter went on and paraded the UAE flag.
While I was prepping to take sunset photos (will share snaps in a separate post), the parade started. The vehicles were decorated with UAE colors and images of sheiks and of the late president. I noticed that most of the Filipinos were not that ecstatic to watch the parade compared with other expats. They were regaled enough by the picnicking.
At first, I was hesistant to take photos of the Emiratis (locals) as they are sensitive to being photographed by expats and non-members of the family in general. But I observed that most of those in the parade loosen for the celebrations. They didn’t mind being videocorded, too.
(Left to right: Palm trees on the streets were all lit up, photos of the sheiks can be seen, on the biggest portrait is the late president, residents picnicking near the beach, on the background is Emirates Palace)
In each corner or park, a family camping out was a common sight. At the heart of Corniche, the huge portrait of the late president beams as if he’s watching over all the Emiratis and UAE’s evergrowing population of expats.
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Universal Studios Singapore (1 of 2)
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{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
wow, ang bata pa pala nga uae ano? cguro madaming sale ano?
.-= Photo Cache´s last blog ..Have A Colorful December =-.
Yes, still young. Lots of promos, periodically.
Wow.. looks like a really big and loud celebration. =) Parang big big picnic
.-= cza´s last blog ..Where are we? =-.
ok din pala magcelebrate ang mga taga UAE. hehehe buti at pwedeng mga shoot. sayang ang event hehehe
.-= upto6only´s last blog ..LP: Hudyat =-.
They celebrate their national day the way it should be celebrated. Dito walang ganyan. You’ll know na lang if it’s their national day dahil walang pasok minus the parade and other hooplah.
.-= BlogusVox´s last blog ..Buhay Buhangin (Sn 31) =-.
enjoy the holiday there!
.-= docgelo´s last blog ..HO HO HO =-.
looks like the way they celebrate it now is somehow westernized. not sure though.
.-= dong ho´s last blog ..taal church batangas =-.
Yes. Maybe because they were once under British colonization.
festive celebration =). i like the idea of family picnics. hope you enjoyed your holiday.
.-= kayni´s last blog ..The Battle Continuous =-.
jo, bakit 38th palang? bata pa pala ang uae.
.-= dyanie´s last blog ..Happiness! Christmas is in the air! =-.
Very young pa talaga sila. UAE was under British colony until 1971.
i really miss the UAE! i hope you keep posting blogs about what’s happening out and about in the UAE
i love this country! it is like my second home …. after phils.
I’m glad that you can relate well with my UAE-related posts.
Kakainggit. We had a Filipino Day last weekend (4th December). I was hoping I could have taken better photographs para din mapublish ko. Pero hindi. My friends used up my memory cards taking photographs of themselves…ourselves pala! Hehe.
Nandun pa naman si Mark Bautista (I don’t know if you fancy him).
Happy UAE Day to you, Jo. Belated.
.-= Nebz´s last blog ..I work here =-.
Thanks. I’m not a fan but I know Mark Bautista from ASAP. Nanliligaw sya kay Sarah Geronimo. Haha. Chismiz.