Day of convention with a twist

Dubai: A radio disc jockey is finding it hard to get single women to propose to their loved ones on Friday, the extra day of the Leap Year.

"If a woman calls us and wishes to propose on air we are offering to provide her with a Dh300 gift voucher to spend at selected restaurants," said DJ Catboy. Although against social norms, it is acceptable in certain cultures for women to propose to men on February 29.

"The only people who called in so far are those already engaged," he said. "The idea that women can propose on this day is great," said Zaina Ahmad, an Emirati. "The idea that only men can propose is so old fashioned," she said. Hikmat Abdul Rahman, another Emirati, said she had never heard about women proposing on Leap Day. "I don't celebrate Valentine's Day either, but I know about it because it is all over the place. But this is silly, women can propose any time of the year if they wish," she said.

The radio station (92 FM) will air the last leg of its unconventional contest today from 6am to 10am. The tradition that women can propose to men on February 29 reportedly started in 5th century Ireland. Other odd traditions practiced on this unusual day include cutting four cakes on a February 29 birthday, or counting of a "birthday age" that is actually a quarter of a person's real age.

"I cut four cakes on my birthday when it falls after every four years, but I calculate my age according to leap year, which means after 4 years I will be one year older," said Fahad, a Dubai resident.

Going by the same rule, 28-year-old Dubai resident B.R. said he would be celebrating his seventh birthday tomorrow.