My first National Day celebrations

National Day is the day when Emiratis celebrate the founding of their country and, at just 38 years old, it's still a living memory for many people and they certainly do it in style. National Day itself is December 2nd, but as that falls in the middle of the Eid holiday, everyone has an extended break and celebrates in their schools and offices on the last day before the holiday. With the exception of Masdar who did it on Sunday for some reason!
Emirates College for Advanced Education had an amazing celebration and the college was completely decked out in red, green, white and black, the colours of the national flag. I went along with an I love UAE wristband and lapel badge but decided not to wear the scarf which J had brought home, complete with the Sheikh's photo, however everyone else was completely done up with scarves, tinsel and all manner of colour themed outfits. The ladies looked amazing in their best Abayas and the guys had decorated their cars.
After a lot of early rushing around to get some work done, the day started in the auditorium which had been decked out and we were all given wristbands and coloured balloons. We had the Emirati national anthem and pictures of the late Sheikh Zsyed, the father of the nation and the one who decided to use the oil revenues to create a world leading nation as well as the current leader, Sheikh Khalifa and the Crown Prince (who John met on Sunday), Sheikh Mohammed. The VC said a few words. Interestingly enough Masdar City featured large in his address and everyone asked if I'd written his speech!
The students made patriotic theatrical presenations (in Arabic so I was relying on the pictures to work out that they were about the country's history and vision) and played various games.
It was really humbling to see the younger generation's passion for their country and pride in their very brief heritage. I can't imagine an audiorium of undergraduates cheering in the UK every time their was a mention of the Royal Family! Amazingly it all kept to time so, when the stick dancers came on I had to beat a hasty retreat to get changed for my role in the event.
Several Faculty ladies took part in a fashion show - Abayas and the more flamboyant Jalabayas, which are worn for weddings and special occasions. I managed to sashay about the stage without falling over either garment and it was well received by the students. Both outfits were beautiful but, for a simple routine, it was quite a nerve wracking experience. However I waved my Emirati flag with aplomb as the two students finished the show with beautiful wedding outfits.
After this we went outside to watch the military band perform and watch people riding camels and horses.
Everyone repaired to the courtyard for tradiational food, music, stalls, more stick dancing and a dessert in the form of the national flag. I'm afraid at this stage I mainly watched from my office window and, although the Arabic music lent great ambience to the occasion it was quite nice when it stopped! However, everyone else must have been enjoying similar celebrations as no-one called or I would have had to shout over the music.
All in all it was a tremendous experience and a touching one to see a young nation so clearly proud of what they have achieved in a very short time.