39 Weeks: UAE National Day

Today, the 2nd of December, marks National UAE Day. Our country today celebrates 42 years of independence and subsequent federal unification of the seven emirates in 1971. We ex-pats are extremely proud of our adoptive state, and are jolly well happy, on the whole, to be living in perpetual sunshine and clean surrounds. Our leaders do not shy away from their autocratic rule however their style is definitely far from dictatorship. A neo-democracy seems to be emerging but make no mistake, this is embryonic: the rule of the Sheikhdom is final.

Don’t be messing with the boys, their laws and regulations and their expectations of us, their citizens. Our sense of propriety must not falter. If it does – no second chances. Out we are tossed!

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, ruler of Dubai (left) and the President of the UAE, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan on the right

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, ruler of Dubai (left) and the President of the UAE, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan on the right

This image was taken exactly five years ago, when I first moved to Dubai to be with Erroll whom I had married in Sydney but six months prior. I was all fresh-faced and brimful of enthusiasm to be a part of this wonderland known as the United Arab Emirates.

Fast forward to today, and I am mere days (hours, perhaps?)  away from bringing to Dubai another citizen; this one, our baby. For the Seahorse shall be born here, one of many new generation ex-pats. And if rumour holds true, should Seahorse be born on UAE National Day, it shall be granted that all-elusive ticket to freedom: a UAE passport. Sheikh Mo, I shall keep you posted.

Leave a Reply