Happy Birthday UAE! 40 Looks Good on YOU!

We're on our way to Celebrate with the UAE!

      Before 1971 the seven emirates were collectively known as the Trucial States, a name that originated from maritime agreements between the British and the leading sheikhs of the tribes around the southern coast between Qatar and Oman in the first half of the nineteenth century. Economic life of the UAE depended heavily on pearl diving and sea trade in the Gulf and the Indian Ocean. This led to the settlement of different ethnic groups from countries along the trade routes, such as Iran and India. Trade activities with east Africa led to the importation of Africans as laborers in the pearling industry in the late nineteenth century. The African and Iranian ethnic populations have been fully integrated as citizens.  When oil was found first in Dubai, then in Abu Dhabi....it changed everything.  Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Nayhan took steps that created the emirates as we know them today and literally put them on the MAP!
       So, fast forward 40 years and it is celebration time. Think back, where were you  in 1976 when America celebrated 200 years?  This was that big!  Enjoy the pictures below of our day and all the experiences of the adventure.  It was an incredible day!


First here is a link to a cool Youtube video:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnRTTNF288c&feature=email

The cars were decorated and so were the people!

An armed young man....yep that's silly string!

The Lone Ranger has a new look!

The window decals were all over....very expensive to do!
Cool to look at and amazed how many different designs there were. 

Rayeann spraying her silly string, but getting blasted
by fake snow.  Why fake snow? We don't know why!

She got hit by silly string too!
Opps.....did I do that?

Helicopters over the Corniche carrying UAE flags!

Yep....that's a mowhawk...in UAE colors. 

Cars decorated with regular stickers....yah, that may
not come off that easy.  Good thing the waterless car
wash is just around the corner at the Marina Mall. 

Don't be afraid.....it's just silly string!

He sees we're armed and ready.

Okay, he got us!

A plain car?  They must be lost!

EX-Pat boy....having fun!

His sister trying to keep up!

Good clean fun. Well clean when it dries and you
can pick it all off.....but it was fun!

This entire vehicle has a decal....very cool. 

He got nailed! 

D took the picture: Me, Rayeann, Janese and Samantha!

This went on for HOURS!
Now it's getting dark!

In the distance is the Marina Mall Tower. On top is a
revolving restaurant that gives you a panoramic
view of Abu Dhabi. 

Just beyond the Corniche a light show at the Emirates Palace. 

Cityscape pictures. 

I wish this picture was more clear. This kid stood on the
roof of the car as it drove by....crazy!

Celebration at the Zayed Sports Center!

It was packed!

What would a nations birthday be without fireworks!

At the end of the day - we were running on adrenaline, but
also very tired.   We probably walked over 35 kilometers....easily.
For all of you scrambling to figure that out....over 20 miles.

Three Words: A Proud Nation!