ABU DHABI // Fireworks, celebrations and watching the car parade top the list of activities that both Emiratis and expatriates are looking forward to this National Day, a poll has found.
The YouGov survey commissioned by The National polled 1,020 people across the country to mark National Day 2014.
It aimed to take a broad look at what residents feel about the significance of December 2, the history and development of the country and some of its key achievements.
It found that the celebrations are popular with people of all nationalities, who will get together to celebrate the UAE’s 43rd National Day.
“Celebrating at the Corniche, decorating our cars and enjoying driving around are definitely some of the highlights of National Day for us,” said Saeed Al Quwaisi, 21, an Emirati working in Abu Dhabi.
“We feel patriotic and feel good about being citizens of this country. It’s a very happy day for us. We are an open country. We always welcome people to come here.”
Residents of all nationalities were asked how they were planning to mark the celebrations.
About half (48 per cent) will be watching fireworks, especially Asian expatriates (54 per cent), 38 per cent will be going out with friends or family, 31 per cent will be visiting the Corniche, 25 per cent will be visiting the parades.
The survey found Asian expatriates were the most likely to spend the day with their families (42 per cent).
Mario Mendonca, an Indian businessman, enjoys National Day celebrations.
“I have seen how well lit the city is during National Day celebrations,” said the 50-year-old, who has travelled to Abu Dhabi for the past decade for his work in the oil and gas industry.
“The fervour with which people celebrate it here is great. For us it’s great as well as we get a holiday.”
Compared to expats, Emiratis will be mainly visiting the parade (38 per cent), celebrating at home (27 per cent) and attending heritage events (37 per cent).
“I love dressing up and putting on make-up and going out on National Day,” said Anood Ahmed, 24, a student who lives in Abu Dhabi.
“It is a day to party and we celebrate in college,” she said. “The students and teachers participate. All of us feel patriotic on the day.”
Lara Al Barazi, YouGov associate research director, said: “National Day will be widely celebrated this year by all nationalities residing in the UAE. This celebration is exuding a sense of unity and belonging to the community. While each nationality celebrates the day in their own way, this goes to show that all communities come together on National Day.”
The survey questioned Emiratis about their feelings of identity, culture and heritage and what makes them proud about the UAE as the country celebrates. Expatriates were also polled on what brought them to the Emirates.
The poll found National Day is mainly associated with patriotism and unity.
Others cited peace, prosperity, happiness, independence, hope, freedom and opportunity.
About half of all respondents (44 per cent) said they would adorn their house or car with a flag. This was particularly true for Emiratis (59 per cent) and those residing in Sharjah (51 per cent).
Others said that they would dress up in national flag colours (7 per cent).
Emiratis and Arab expatriates felt attending and participating in events were the best parts of the day.
One in five (20 per cent) of respondents particularly favours the sense of community the celebrations bring. Similarly, one in five favours attending or participating in National Day events.
The majority (54 per cent) feels celebrations had become more genuine over the past 43 years and reflect a sense of pride among UAE citizens.
A further 24 per cent feels celebrations had become more elaborate.
About one in five (19 per cent) thinks the celebrations have lost their true meaning.
However, many are frugal when it comes to spending money on the celebrations.
More than two in five respondents will spend less than Dh500 in celebrations this year.
Just three per cent of Emiratis said they would spend more than Dh5,000.
Of the 1,020 respondents, 11 per cent were Emirati, 56 per cent were Asian expatriates, 8 per cent westerners and 23 per cent Arab expatriates. The remaining 2 per cent were other nationalities.
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Your Guide to the Home
- Level 1 has a valet service if you choose not to park in the basement level. This level houses all the kitchenware, including covetable brand French Bull, along with a wide array of outdoor furnishings, lamps and lighting solutions, textiles like curtains, towels, cushions and bedding, and plenty of other home accessories.
- Level 2 features curated inspiration zones and solutions for bedrooms, living rooms and dining spaces. This is also where you’d go to customise your sofas and beds, and pick and choose from more than a dozen mattress options.
- Level 3 features The Home’s “man cave” set-up and a display of industrial and rustic furnishings. This level also has a mother’s room, a play area for children with staff to watch over the kids, furniture for nurseries and children’s rooms, and the store’s design studio.
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Ahmad El Sayed is Senior Associate at Charles Russell Speechlys, a law firm headquartered in London with offices in the UK, Europe, the Middle East and Hong Kong.
Experience: Commercial litigator who has assisted clients with overseas judgments before UAE courts. His specialties are cases related to banking, real estate, shareholder disputes, company liquidations and criminal matters as well as employment related litigation.
Education: Sagesse University, Beirut, Lebanon, in 2005.
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Three ways to get a gratitude glow
By committing to at least one of these daily, you can bring more gratitude into your life, says Ong.
- During your morning skincare routine, name five things you are thankful for about yourself.
- As you finish your skincare routine, look yourself in the eye and speak an affirmation, such as: “I am grateful for every part of me, including my ability to take care of my skin.”
- In the evening, take some deep breaths, notice how your skin feels, and listen for what your skin is grateful for.
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Company name: OneOrder
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Investment stage: Series A
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Weather warnings show that Storm Eunice is soon to make landfall. The videographer and I are scrambling to return to the other side of the Channel before it does. As we race to the port of Calais, I see miles of wire fencing topped with barbed wire all around it, a silent ‘Keep Out’ sign for those who, unlike us, aren’t lucky enough to have the right to move freely and safely across borders.
We set sail on a giant ferry whose length dwarfs the dinghies migrants use by nearly a 100 times. Despite the windy rain lashing at the portholes, we arrive safely in Dover; grateful but acutely aware of the miserable conditions the people we’ve left behind are in and of the privilege of choice.
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The low down on MPS
What is myofascial pain syndrome?
Myofascial pain syndrome refers to pain and inflammation in the body’s soft tissue. MPS is a chronic condition that affects the fascia (connective tissue that covers the muscles, which develops knots, also known as trigger points).
What are trigger points?
Trigger points are irritable knots in the soft tissue that covers muscle tissue. Through injury or overuse, muscle fibres contract as a reactive and protective measure, creating tension in the form of hard and, palpable nodules. Overuse and sustained posture are the main culprits in developing trigger points.
What is myofascial or trigger-point release?
Releasing these nodules requires a hands-on technique that involves applying gentle sustained pressure to release muscular shortness and tightness. This eliminates restrictions in connective tissue in orderto restore motion and alleviate pain. Therapy balls have proven effective at causing enough commotion in the tissue, prompting the release of these hard knots.
