Memorable evening for Americans in Dubai

Dubai: The desire to celebrate an eagerly-awaited change of guard and to associate in some way with the making of history united Americans and non-Americans of various ethnic, religious and political persuasions in Dubai on Tuesday as they gathered to watch Barack Obama's inauguration as president.

Cheers and applause erupted every time Obama's name was mentioned during a live broadcast of the ceremony organised by Democrats Abroad UAE at the Dubai Marina Yacht Club.

Some in the crowd frantically waved at the screen as Obama appeared and others filmed the entire event with cameras pointed to the screen at all times. Many struggled to hold back tears.

A number of non-Americans were also seen sharing in the joy of their American friends, colleagues and spouses. Britons, Canadians and Kenyans featured prominently in the crowd. An American resident of Dubai summed up the mood thus: "This is the choice for president of fifty per cent of America and a hundred per cent of the rest of the world."

More than 330 people were eventually accommodated at the venue as against an original guest list of 200 people and, even then, there were some who had to return home disappointed.

There was also a small but noticeable number of Republicans who put aside their differences to celebrate with patriotic fervour.

"I am a Republican but I'm here because this is a historic day for America. I truly wish Obama the best," said an American resident, sporting a yellow neck tie with tiny elephants on it.

The divisive policies of the Bush era were further highlighted when loud booes punctuated the inaugural speeches every time images of the outgoing president appeared on screen. "Bye bye, Bush!" somebody was heard shouting.

Chris Hansen, chair of Democrats Abroad UAE, acknowledged the Republicans present by clarifying that the event was intended to be a bipartisan celebration of Obama's inauguration "and a celebration of America".

"There's a sense that we all need to pitch in and be a part of this effort. You already see that with President Obama reaching out to Republicans. That's part of the president's tone and it has been carried on to the electorate," he said.

The objective of the UAE chapter of Democrats Abroad is to have Americans in the country vote in elections, but the group also gathers for debates and discussions on US policy on the first Tuesday of each month.