Exciting Events Lined Up For Malaysians To Mark Merdeka Day In UAE
by Muin Abdul MajidDUBAI, Aug 14 (Bernama) -- Malaysians in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), take heed.
Wipe the dust off those badminton racquets, polish your go-kart driving skills and whip out those cameras to join in the fun in celebrating Malaysia's 51st Merdeka Day in this Gulf state.
The charge d'affaires at the Malaysian embassy in Abu Dhabi, Fadli Adilah, said exciting events are being lined up by the mission in collaboration with members of the Malaysian community in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, ahead of Merdeka Day.
He said although the country marks its independence on Aug 31, the Merdeka reception for Malaysians in the UAE would be held at the embassy on Aug 30 due to the approaching fasting month of Ramadan.
The merriment kicks off on Aug 26 at the Khalifa International Bowling Centre, Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi, the venue of the Merdeka Bowling Competition, where 100 Malaysians are expected to bowl their way to glory in three categories -- men, women and children.
And around 30 people will sweat it out in a badminton tournament on Aug 27, also to be held in the UAE capital, said Fadli.
Meanwhile, Michael Schumacher-wannabes can get their adrenaline pumping at the Dubai Autodrome where the Go-Kart Merdeka Race will take place on Aug 29.
Also, photography lovers should start getting their creative juices flowing to win prizes in a photography competition themed "Malaysians in UAE".
"We will select certain photos to grace the walls of our Abu Dhabi embassy," said Fadli.
Not to be left out, Tourism Malaysia is joining hands with Malaysia Airlines and Dubai's Jumeirah Beach Hotel in organising a Malaysian food promotion at the hotel's Beachcombers retaurant from Aug 22 to 29.
A good crowd is expected not only for the wide array of Malaysian food on offer but also the chance of winning Malaysia Airlines tickets back to Kuala Lumpur.
On the Merdeka reception on Aug 30, Fadli said the event would be marked by a flag-raising ceremony and the recital of the "doa" (prayers) for the continued well-being of the country.
And perennial Malaysian favourites like "satay", "nasi minyak" and other delicacies await those in attendance, said Fadli.
-- BERNAMA
