Lordy, Looks Who’s 40! : The UAE Turns 40

I haven’t been home in the USA for three 4^th of Julys. The last time I waved a red, white, and blue flag in a patriotic parade, I still thought it appropriate to prance around in a bikini and cow-girl boots. The amount of energy exerted on building parade floats, making red, white, and blue cheesecake and collecting an arsenal of fireworks was immense, and I can safely say, my July’s have been a little less chaotic the last three years. I have so much more free time in fact, that I have been able to devote spare hours to celebrating all the other cultures I have come in contact with since 2009. Matt and I have cheered on the Korean Soccer Team in the World Cup, embraced the tradition of cock fighting in the Philippines, sported our red and blue on Bastille Day in Paris, and celebrated Palm Sunday with the overwhelming Catholic population in Costa Rica. So which country trumps all in the nationalism department? No surprise, it’s the baby of the bunch, The United Arab Emirates, turning 40 years-old this week!

My Neighbor's Car.

Led by former president Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan, The UAE united its seven Emirates December 2^nd, 1971 and have been catapulted into a race toward modernism ever since. The goal of maintaining a strong cultural heritage is a top priority for the Emirates, a priority that rears its red, white, and green head around every corner.

Among all the zealous displays of patriotism, and overcompensation for being such a new-comer to the scene, the UAE’s national day falls at the perfect time of year for a home-sick American. You see, with all of the “National Day Lights” which sort of look EXACTLY like Christmas lights, and the colors of the flag proudly on display:  green, red, black, and white, I could swear that it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. J I am always happy to celebrate with locals, regardless of how over-the-top or strange I think their customs may be. I can only imagine trying to explain why we Americans decorate our boats, go out into the bay and light off fireworks on the 4^th, but I love it!

Off to watch my man play in the Dubai Rugby 7s!!! Have a patriotic weekend wherever you may be.