An Orange Ball for the queen

Dutch community in Dubai to mark Queen's birthday with traditional pomp

To commemorate the Queen of Netherland's birthday, the Dutch community in Dubai plans to arrange a Koninginne Feest or Orange Ball on April 24 at the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club.

The event, beginning at 8.00pm, includes dinner and entertainment by a band flown in from Holland.

The Orange Ball derives its name from van Oranje, the last name of the Dutch Royal family. This traditional annual celebration of Holland dates back to 1889. It is held on April 30 every year and is actually the birthday of the Queen Mother.

The current monarch of the Netherlands, Queen Beatrix, has chosen to retain this date not only to honour her mother but also because the weather in Holland is better on this date than during her actual birthday which falls at the end of January.

"This day (in April) is a national holiday where families get-together to enjoy various activities, fairs, stalls and games. In Amsterdam, the whole city turns into an open air market and proves to be one of Europe's biggest events," says Els Carlsom, volunteer with the Dubai Dutch Society.

In Dubai, this annual fest has been organised for 10 years and the Dutch community from across the UAE comes to celebrate with friends. People come dressed in orange shirts, hats, ties and scarves because the Dutch national colour is orange. "Some people even wear cow-print clothes as we have a lot of cows in Holland," says Els.

A welcome address will start off the evening of dance and music. "This year, we're having the famous Dutch singer Albert West singing along with the duo Babs and Micheal," says Els.

A surprise gift is being organised for each participant. "Last year, we gave white shirts with an embroidered orange crown," she remembers.

Traditional Dutch food is being flown into Dubai for the ball. "The pickled herring with onions is a speciality which cannot be replicated here. Another specialty is Poffertjes, a pancake that is one inch in diameter," says Marjo Nosier, community member.

"The Bitterballen, croquets filled with meat, are scrumptious as are the french fries with peanut sauce," adds Els.

"I like to attend this event because I get an opportunity to meet so many Dutch-speaking people that I would never have met otherwise," says Edith van der Deen. "I also go to listen to the bands from my country."

"We miss the activities back home and this event in Dubai allows us to relive our memories," says Marjo.

The Dubai event, as always, is sponsored by Dutch businesses. A separate children's party to commemorate the Queen's birthday is being organised at the same venue on May 1, from 3.00pm.

Advanced reservations for both events are a must.