Australia Day celebrated in Dubai

Ian 'Molly' Meldrum, host of the popular Australian TV show, Countdown, was the special guest at the annual Australia Day Ball held at Grand Hyatt on Thursday.

About 500 members and friends of the Australia Business Council (Dubai Chapter) turned up at the event, dressed in elegant or funky 1970s and 80s inspired black-tie outfits based on the Countdown Revival theme. Countdown, which began in 1974, was a popular pop music show that was instrumental in launching the careers of such stars as Abba and Madonna.

“Molly is synonymous with music and artists,'' said Susie MacMillian, the ball organiser.

Before dinner, the guests – some wearing black tie, maxi dresses, afro wigs, mullets or punk hair dues – stood up for the Australian national anthem while a video showing the wonders of the Aussie continent played on large screens.

“We get very patriotic. Home is Australia. It's fabulous to have such a community here in Dubai to connect and share some memories of home,'' MacMillian said.

Louisa Mills, a South African who came to the ball with Australian friends, said she was excited to show her friends the pictures of her standing next to “Molly.''

“It's really cool to be here with the icon of Australia music,'' said Bryan Hoare, 38, a hotel manager in Oman.

Digby Seymour, a crew member for Emirates, said she was excited to be at the ball for the third year. “It brings good memories,'' he said.

The celebration went on until past 2am.