The 38 is for 38 years since the UAE was formed. The 7 is for the seven emirates –  Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Quwain, Ras al-Khaimah and Fujairah.

The crazy nationalism that we had witnessed on our travels was repeated in Abu Dhabi. Building were draped in flags and lights, the streets were lined with lights, cars were decorated with flags ribbons and photos of the sheiks.

The corniche was jammed with cars just cruising, sounding horns and spraying party foam at each other. There was a free concert and two barges housed the firework display – we watched from our apartment window!