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Dubai parties for the royal couple
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30 April 2011 |
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As Will and Kate swapped vows in Westminster Abbey, Dubai's expat community celebrated in typically hearty style under the blazing sun.
A special gathering of around 1,300 guests enjoyed the memorable ceremony on the lawns of the British Embassy in Dubai.
The event was organised in conjunction with the Loyal Society made up of the Dubai Caledonian Society, Dubai St. George's Society and the Dubai Welsh Society, and with main sponsor, Emirates Airlines.
In traditional fashion for British royal weddings, families enjoyed a traditional street party with all the timmings. Special entertainment was put on for children including face painting, a bouncy castle and stilt performances.
The embassy hosted Sultan Al Mansouri, Minister of Economy who wished the newly weds a wonderful future, as he cut a special wedding cake in their honour.
Barasti bar in Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) proved a hotspot for the British community with well-wishers donning bridal veils, masks of the happy couple and even spandex body suits to enjoy the occasion.
Sporadic cheers arose as guests at the packed-out beach bar remained glued to big screen, following every step of the 21st century's glitziest wedding, while the buzzing atmosphere in London's streets was replicated on the beach, with British flags waved proudly throughout the festivities. And the fervour crescendoed with the nuptials of the future King and Queen of England, with a huge cheer raised as the couple were announced man and wife by Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams.
The bar itself was bedecked by small British flags, as well as a giant wedding cake which proved a persistent draw for guests. And even cynics of the British royal family found themselves toasting the bride and groom's future happiness.
"I'm not keen on the Royals at all, but I wanted to watch the wedding," said Georgina Powell, an English expat living in JBR. "It brings people together and there was a sense of history. Kate's dress was absolutely stunning - and who hasn't dreamed of being a princess?"
Many of the venue's more patriotic visitors also stood and sang along to national anthem God Save the Queen, although the televised coverage showed that Queen Elizabeth herself wasn't joining in the ode to her health.
"The whole event was exquisite, it ran like clockwork," said English designer Sarah Freeman. "I thought Kate was very elegant- a modern-day princess. There was a genuine wave of emotion from the public, and a real sense of togetherness."
While Kate Middleton was undoubtedly beautiful in her Sarah Burton dress (one of the wedding's most anticipated talking points beforehand), her younger sister Pippa also drew plenty of admiring glances in her role as maid-of-honour.
"Pippa Middleton stayed confident and grounded with joy for Kate," said London-born sales executive Martyn Frederick. "She's a good-looking girl and I'm sure she'll deal with the celebrity lifestyle well."
Despite the joyous atmosphere, the memory of Princess Diana loomed large over the occasion, especially given that it took place in the same venue where William mourned the loss of his mother 14 years previously.
The mood of the day remained optimistic nonetheless.
"William and Kate look like they have fun together and enjoy each other's company," said Kiwi flight attendant Maria Clelland. "I wish them all the luck and happiness in the world."
At the Meridien Mina Seyahi in Dubai, entrance to the "street party" was free. By noon, more than 1,000 Britons had made their way there carrying red, white and blue flags and pictures of the Royal couple. Among the guests were three Kate-wannabes in bridal white veils - but wearing short skirts and low-cut blouses more suited to the hot Dubai weather. Traditional British fare of fish and chips and beer were on the menu.
"This (wedding) is a part of history and we wanted to dress the part," said Gemma Petch as her friend Kat Twaites."I think it is better to be in Dubai than in London right now," Twaites said, soaking up the party atmosphere by the beach while occasionally turning to a giant screen to watch the wedding.
Two more British expatriates, Mark Baker and Julie Anne, dressed as William and Kate and had many requests from fellow party-goers to have their photographs taken with them.
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Source: beta.thehindu.com |
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