Dubai - With over 100 different cultures present in the UAE, a growing community of Singaporeans are set to gather in Dubai and Abu Dhabi to commemorate their 43rd national day.
Singapore celebrated its first National Day in 1966, one year after Singapore`s independence on August 9, 1965.
The theme of this year`s National Day Parade in Singapore is `S`. Not only does it stand for Singapore, this year`s parade aims to take parade-goers on a journey through four common themes which define the nation: Search, Sense, Spirit and Shine.
"It is a day of great joy. As a small and growing community in the UAE, it is a day when we all gather from different races to celebrate our independence," said Ahmad Fouad.
Fouad has been living in the UAE since 1985 with his wife and two daughters saying that back then, the only celebrations they had were in the form of small family gatherings.
Now, with the thriving political and trade links between the two nations, the UAE is home to over 1,000 Singaporeans. National Day will be celebrated in the UAE with celebratory dinners in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Abu Dhabi will host a dinner gathering at the Intercontinental Hotel Abu Dhabi on August 8 - 200 Singaporeans are expected to attend. The Dubai event will be held at Al Bustan Rotana Hotel on August 29, with an expected turnout of 500 Singaporeans.
Low Pit Chen, Charge d`Affaires of the Singapore Embassy in Abu Dhabi, said: "The number of Singaporeans in Abu Dhabi has doubled in one year alone."
"The estimated 800 Singaporeans residing in Dubai are engaged across various economic sectors, including consulting, manufacturing, logistics and the hospitality industry.
This reflects the growing opportunities that Singaporeans who venture out can find in this part of the world," said Mr Dileep Nair, Singapore`s Consul General in Dubai. By Siham Al Najami, Staff Reporter
Source: http://gulfnews.com (August 07, 2008)
