Just so you know January 1st is not New Year's for everyone.... I know you're all familiar with Rosh Hoshana and Chinese New Year, but I'm referring more to Islamic New Year which happens to fall sometime round about 20 days after Eid al Adha, so basically anytime. This year it happened to be December 18. But like people everywhere the Emiratis are very keen to join a party and the do so in style. For there non-holiday last year they hosted Shakira at the Emirates Palace with a huge fireworks display to boot (they do love their fireworks) and this year Rihanna came to do the countdown (she actually didn't countdown which was a bit of a disappointment...but she did say Happy New Year!). The government even gave New Year's day as a holiday. (Not much of a big deal since it fell on a Friday -- the equivalent of our Sunday--but it's the thought that counts).
In any event the parties continued long into the morning -- at least in our neighborhood. Some things don't change no matter where we are.
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