A perfect meeting ground for expatriates from 84 nations

Abu Dhabi: An organisation established by a handful of British expatriates in Abu Dhabi fifty years ago has become a retreat for hundreds of people from 83 other nations living in the capital.

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of The Club — the first established by expatriates in Abu Dhabi — Hamish F Macdonald, the chairman, says he is proud of its diverse membership.

Macdonald wants to highlight the multicultural ethos of the club.

"As it was established by British expatriates [and] known as an organisation of the British people, common people, especially taxi drivers refer to it as the "British Club" despite the presence of a large number of members of other nationalities," he told Gulf News yesterday. He said only 50 per cent of members are British and the rest are from 83 other countries. "We had more than 30,000 members during the past 50 years," he added.

At the 50th anniversary gala reception on Thursday evening at The Club's premises, a number of people attended who played a major role in its history.

Edna Green, a British woman who was a co-founder in 1962, flew in from London along with her husband to share their experience of the 1960s.

An institution

In the initial days the club was the only refuge for male British expatriates to beat their loneliness, she told Gulf News.

"We housewives used to cook the food at home and bring it for them to the club," she said.

In a message, Shaikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, appreciated The Club's 50 years of spirit, vision, hard work and commitment. "It is because of these factors that The Club has truly become an institution in Abu Dhabi," he said.

Although The Club was established in 1962, the founding members themselves are unable to recall the exact date it was formed, said a press note. "So, fittingly, we have decided that a full year long celebration in 2012 is appropriate," a statement said.

The Club is a private members' club and not-for-profit organisation. Currently, there are 4,500 members from 84 countries worldwide.

Marking the occasion

As part of the 50th anniversary celebrations, The Club is organising different events including a series of after-dinner evenings with special speakers and Golden Jubilee Tennis and Squash Tournaments (in March-April). As a way to preserve its history, The Club launched a 50th anniversary commemorative book by author Matthew Brace, and a documentary film. They will highlight the importance of The Club, its history and development.