Australians celebrate their growing presence in the UAE

Abu Dhabi: Australians in the UAE capital expressed their satisfaction with the growing presence of their community and greater interaction with locals and other communities with the regular social activities.

"The number of Australians is increasing in the UAE and they have become socially very active with our organisation. Aussies Abroad, the community organisations of Australian expatiates in Abu Dhabi is not restricted to our community only; we have members of seven other nationalities," Mohanned Hourani, president of the organisation, told Gulf News on Saturday.

He and other community members spoke to Gulf News on the sidelines of Australian National Day celebrations organised by Aussies Abroad at Le Royal Meridian in Abu Dhabi. They celebrated on the background of The Boolas, an Australian bush and folk band. And Abu Dhabi AFL falcons put on a clinic for the kids, which also added colour to the event.

"We have monthly gatherings for families, women and kids which create a vibrant social life," said Hourani.

"We have about 224 active members and about 600 Aussies are in touch with the organisation".

Hourani said they receive enquiries from people from Australia even before they come to Abu Dhabi. "We have a welcome pack for newcomers which tells them do's and don'ts in the UAE and other useful information".

Most of the Aussies are working in the construction sector as engineers and many others are IT professionals, university teachers and architects, said Hourani.

Mamon Walshe, First Secretary in the Australian Embassy, told Gulf News that about 15,000 Australians live in the UAE of which about 5,000 are in Abu Dhabi.

"The embassy is looking after Qatar also where about 4,000 Aussies are living," she said.