Dubai: Break out the Canadian flags, maple syrup and steaming hot poutine, eh?
On Sunday, Canada celebrates its 151st birthday and a handful of the estimated 40,000 Canuck expatriates living and working in the UAE will be ‘standing on guard’ in an outpouring of love for their north home country.
Back in the Western Hemisphere, the Canadian government said ahead of the celebrations that July 1 “is a time to celebrate the heritage passed down to us through the works of our authors, poets, artists and performers. It is a time to rejoice in the discoveries of our scientific researchers, in the success of our entrepreneurs, and to commemorate our history — a history in which each new chapter reveals itself to be more touching, more fascinating than the last”.
In conversations with Gulf News, expats in the UAE could not agree more.
This weekend, expats will fan out across the UAE donning everything from red-and-white barbecue garb at friends’ outdoor and poolside gatherings to black-tie formal wear at evening affairs to usher in the anniversary of Canada’s modern-day founding in 1867 and the preceding millennia before that as home to First Nations’ peoples.
- Beth Hirshfield | Canadian expatriate
Expat Beth Hirshfield, executive director of the Canadian Business Council of Dubai and Northern Emirates, said the occasion is a good time to reflect on her home country and its personal connection while living so far from home.
“I feel fortunate to be able to live and experience incredible Dubai while getting an opportunity to interact daily with talented Canadian professionals and companies. I am inspired to see the exciting projects and important initiatives that they are undertaking here and am filled with pride when I hear business people from all parts of the world praise Canada for its values and approach,” Hirshfield said.
“Canada Day offers a perfect opportunity to pause and reflect on all this and share stories of your home country with people that share your upbringing.”
Hirshfield and council staff is co-hosting along with the Canada Club a national day celebration for pre-registered expat families on Saturday at Hilton JBR’s pool and beach.
Events from 4pm to 8pm are set to include Canadian Team Trivia, games, music and activities and a special kids’ area with fun activities and crafts, provided by Maple Bear Schools capped off with a buffet.
On Sunday, Canadian franchise eateries in the UAE such as Eggspectation as well as Weslodge Saloon at JW Marriot in Dubai will roll out the red carpet for Canada Day revellers with down-home fare.
Enzo Renda, CEO of Eggspectation worldwide, told Gulf News that patrons will receive free poutine when ordering up all-day breakfast meals to celebrate the day.
“I believe that we represent Canada well and the Canadian clientele appreciates this very much. We also feature authentic Montreal Bagels! No other local restaurant represents Canada the way we do. Half our units are also built in Canada, all the furniture and millwork is Canadian too,” Renda said.
Renda said Eggspectation is expecting a wave of expats on Sunday.
“Some know us from back home in Canada, so it’s nostalgic for them, and we have Canadian clientele who discover us here, which is also great,” Renda said.
Nana Sechere |
Weslodge Saloon at JW Marriot in Dubai is also bracing for a groundswell of Canucks on Sunday when it opens its doors at 5.30pm replete with fare from the ‘Great White North’ and Canadian music. A senior manager at the restaurant, Ottawa native Nana Sechere, said in an interview that the day is really about appreciating a special country where “we have so many things to be thankful for. Everyone is happy, we enjoy life.”
Sechere, 34, said living abroad has given him a new sense of gratitude for his country.
“Being away from home, I realise how many people love Canada and what an amazing country it is,” he said.
Logan Fish, a Nova Scotia native now working as a videographer in Dubai, said living abroad gives Canada Day special meaning.
“Living abroad for me has opened my eyes about my hometown and country, it has shown me how great it is to be Canadian,” Fish said.
Yvonne Tagoe, a Canadian expat from Toronto who calls Dubai home, said on this Canada Day she will miss “going to the lakeside in Waterloo and watching the fireworks. I miss the barbecues, the bands playing, my kids and my friends”.
