Aid Mubarak at the Emirates

Posed in front of the camel

In front of Souk Madinet at Jumeriah , Dubai.

In front of the Malaysian Embassy at Abu Dhabi, UAE

Malaysian Embassy Hari Raya open house gathering at Abu Dhabi

In front of the Land Cruisers after the sand duning drive

My wife and me with the Arabic costume

Belly dancer performing at the big stage under the clear skylit

For the first time, I am celebrating the Aid Mubarak ( Hari Raya Puasa ) and my birthday in the Emirates.My wife came down from KL for the celebrations.Aid Mubarak was celebrated one day earlier than Malaysia on 30th September.

Went over to Dubai on the 2nd day of Aid Mubarak and visited the Burj Al Arab the most expensive hotel in the world,the Mall of the Emirates and Souk Madinet at Jumeriah.On the 3rd day,we attended the Malaysian Embassy Raya open house and was served with many Malaysian food like Satey,Mee Goreng and Nasi Lemak which we miss so badly.Really enjoyed the food especially the Nasi Lemak after deprived of 2 months of Malaysian food.

On my birthday 3-10-2008, joined the half day Desert Safari tour which cost us 200 dirham each, quite a good rate I was told.A local Emiratis driver came over to pick us up at the hotel and was joined by about 10 Toyota Land Cruiser to the Safari.The first stop was at the camel farm where we were allowed to take photographs with the camels. Later we went for the drive over the sand dunes which was both thrilling and exciting and I am really impressed by the skill of the driver. Stop to watch the sunset from the dunes.

Our journey continued until we reached a traditional Arabic camp which is was quite isolated from the desert.There we were given opportunity to try a host of activities like camel riding,henna painting,wearing the traditional arabic clothings, Shisha smoking,the Arabic sweets and coffee significant to the Bedouin culture.

After sunset, a BBQ dinner was served under the starlit sky with belly dancing entertainment to ensure you have a memorable night.The desert sky was very clear and you can really gaze the twinkling stars.We were really treated the traditional Arabic hospitality with Arabic coffee and dates served as they have been served for centuries and continue to be served in the Emiratis homes today.