Only ten years younger

Yesterday evening, I received a text message from HHSHKMOHD. It said:

“Dear citizens & residents of the UAE. I am delighted to congratulate you, and my brother Sheikh Khalifa, President of the UAE, as we all celebrate the 41st anniversary of the UAE. This is a day of joy & pride, in which we remember the inspiring journey of our founding fathers and look ahead towards a bright future of endless possibilities.” Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum

The text was from His Highness, the Vice President (among other things) of the UAE. Let me know when Joe Biden sends you a text message, okay?

Today, December 2 is the 41st National Day of the UAE. This country is very patriotic about its National Day. From full day school celebrations to car decals that cover the entire car, the UAE is decked out in red, white, green and black. It hasn’t escaped me that all of these celebrations are to celebrate a nation that is ten years older than I am. A very young nation. This young nation has done a lot in these first 41 years and I imagine that if the track record continues, they will either run out of oil and money or rule the world. Only time will tell.

Yesterday, I spent the day in Abu Dhabi for some celebrations of all things UAE. The day started with some National Day inspired sweets.

National Day cupcake!

Then I headed to lunch for some delicious India Thali at the Abu Dhabi Central market.

Vegetarian Thali

After lunch my friend and I got pedicures (I’m still shocked at how inexpensive and thorough they are here. After our relaxing time at the spa, we headed to the International Date Palm Festival at the National Exhibition Center. There were a lot of dates, and I mean a lot. We were there toward the end of the event and half the booths were closed up. I’m actually kind of glad we didn’t go when all the booths were open, I would have been “dated” out.

Dates, lots and lots of dates!

Afterward we headed to NYU Abu Dhabi for a special National Day event. They had photo booths, food, henna, falcons and performances. It was a nice, calm way to celebrate National Day.

Decorations on the way to NYU.

My favorite!

Dancers

Singing

I’ve heard that today (actual National Day) the celebrations are on the main road as people in decorated cars “cruise”. Hopefully the rain (which we’ve actually had this weekend) will stay away for the revelers.

Happy 41st UAE, best wishes!!

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