Sizzling BBQ parties, shucking corn, loads of food: American expats in UAE gear up to mark Fourth of July

American expats in the UAE are gearing up to celebrate the US Independence Day, the Fourth of July. Residents and families will mark the 246th Independence Day by planning barbecues parties, picnics, and in an authentic American fashion with loads of foods, such as hamburgers, hot dogs, corn on the cob, and apple pie.

Some families took advantage of the extended Eid Al Adha holidays to travel. UAE resident Naeema Zaki travelled to Egypt the day after schools closed for the Eid holidays. She says: "This year, Eid fell just before July 4. So, we are celebrating the festival overseas at an Egyptian beach resort because my husband is from there."

Zaki said their entire family could be together due to the extended holidays, which is rare. She added, “Normally, on July 4, we get together and watch the fireworks. I usually stream it on YouTube. I call my mom, and she goes to the pier (in the US), takes some pictures and then sends it to us. But this year is different as Eid has fallen around the same time, and the entire family is together.”

Expat in the UAE have made plans according to their schedule. Natalia Miranda, who is in the country this year as her son is yet to finish the academic term, said, "Nothing is more American than shucking corn and drinking sweet iced tea. Even in the Dubai heat, we can still enjoy a little slice of the USA."

She added, "Last year, we were back home, and the air was filled with the mouthwatering scents of popcorn, sizzling BBQ, and freshly harvested sweet corn, accompanied by the refreshing taste of sweet iced tea. The 4th of July is one of our most treasured holidays."

American expat Aaron Snyder will be working on that day. He said, “I will be going to work as usual, like many others. I also understand a lot of families are travelling to the US this year, as residents got a long Eid Al Adha break that lasted for almost nine days. I am sure many are making the most of it as they may want to catch the celebrations back home.”

Snyder works in the Al Ruwais area, located some 240 km west of Abu Dhabi, with limited activities. But in the evening, Snyder could pack in a quieter celebration, "perhaps some friends and I will go to a local café for Shisha and dinner.”

Some may head to restaurants in the city that are offering meals and sweet treats to mark the day, with a few celebrations starting early and restaurants eager to deliver.

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