Aussie expats feel at home in UAE

Under the sunshine
Ankita Chaturvedi
More than 26,000 Australians expats live in the UAE. Beautiful beaches, amazing BBQ restaurants and enthusiasm for sports are just a few reasons why they love their expat life in this country. What's more, Australian roasted coffee is also easily available here. The lure of living at a place where one can indulge in a good swim (frequently) is another highlight. Yes, they enjoy spending time out-doors and love Dubai's sunshine!
Australian expats live by the philosophy of working hard and partying harder. In the UAE, many of them work for major airlines and associated entities. A large number of them are also employed in the design, engineering and construction industry. Government agencies, law firms, financial sectors, and educational institutes too employ them keenly. Despite their busy work schedules, the expats gather together on special days.
They like to celebrate their National Day (January 26) in a big way. Also, they are very particular about paying their tributes (to honour the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, who fought at Gallipoli against the Ottoman Empire during World War I) on Anzac Day (April 25). How do Aussies like to spend their time on off-days? "Under the sun, on a beach. Other than pool parties, we love going for treks and hikes," says Nina Buckton, a primary school teacher. She has been living in Sharjah for three years now. "Aussies have a great sense of humour!
We take jokes on us in good spirit. Yes, we can laugh at ourselves." Aussies confess that they're not very rigid when it comes to following traditions and rituals, but a fun tradition that most of them follow is the celebration of their 21st birthday. Ryan Perkins, a Dubai-based entrepreneur says, "There is something special about 21st birthdays. We invite people over for good food and drinks. Also, the birthday boy/girl is required to deliver a big speech! Our 18th birthdays are a big deal too, for that's when we can get our driving li-cense, however, celebrations around the 21st are a class apart."
He adds, "I have been here for the last 10 years and I feel it is a perfect place for Aussies! The only thing that I used to miss was the smell and taste of Australian coffee. Now, that is taken care off. A plenty of cafes in the UAE have begun to serve authentic Australian coffee." Gerard Seeber, Senior Trade Commissioner and Consul General, Dubai at Australian Trade Commission, says, "Australia holds its close economic links with the UAE in high regard and we look forward to deepening these over the coming years. UAE is truly a global hub for trade and ideas. It is very important for Australian businesses to carry on their activities in the UAE and MENA region. We're a huge community here, in fact, UAE appears in the top ten favourite destinations for Australian expats."
Whilst, they love the Dubai sun and enjoy the warm climate all through the year, come Christmas and they pack off and leave! They share that unlike other parts of the world, it is the middle of summer in Australia at Christmas time. Their celebrations revolve around beach sports, parties, and lunches.
ankita@khaleejtimes.com
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The Australian BBQ is a huge traction and celebration
Milrina Martis, Kt intern
Australian cuisine is heavily influenced by British and Irish food. No wonder, fish and chips reminds the Aussies of home. But, native food of Australia does exist, it is called Bush Tucker or Bushfood and it's developed by the Aborigines. Their recipes include kangaroo, emu and crocodile meat, macadamia nuts, lemon myrtle, riberry, etc.
And of course, one can't leave out seafood like salmon, tuna, prawn, yellowtail, lobsters and abalone; Australia produces some high quality seafood. Try the Australian style fish and chips at Bidi Bondi, Palm Jumeirah (04 453 5421). For Dh95, you can have fresh fried haddock with chips and tartar sauce. If you want to have a go at Bushfood, then visit Bush-man's, Palm Jumeirah (04 567 8312).
A meal of kangaroo sirloin and Tim Tam and raspberry tart will cost you Dh160. Or have the Moreton Bay Bug Salad for Dh95.Remember, nothing is more Australian than getting friends and family together for a barbecue. So, if you wish to sample their cuisine, all you need to do is embrace their BBQ tradition. Indulge in steaks, sausages and chops!
milrina@khaleejtimes.com
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Brekkie and coffee just as you like it
Coffee isn't a beverage; it's a way of life with Aussies. They don't fall into that category of caffeine-addicts who are content drinking coffee from takeaway mugs as they answer e-mails. They'd rather, order a cuppa and indulge in it over good food and conversation. No wonder, The Coffee Club (across ten locations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi) attracts many Aussies. "Many of our guests recognise us from Australia. They are pleased to see that the brand has kept its identity while adapting to fit in with the local culture," says David Owens, head of operations, Middle East, The Coffee Club.

The Australian brand has kept the core of their menu the same: all-day breakfast, sandwiches, burgers, pancakes, salads, eggs, etc. "We are also always making a conscious effort to 'localise' our food. Recently, we launched the chef's table menu, which has been inspired by Arabic cuisine and developed by our Australian chef. Our Labnah Chili Eggs and Tabouleh Chicken incorporate local flavours and cooking styles." They serve an Arabian brunch too.
Needless to say, the coffee served here is roasted in Australia. Their most popular coffee is the Piccolo Latte, a signature coffee invented in Melbourne. In the last decade, the drink has gained popularity in Melbourne. 
As told to Purva Grover