No, not me you fool, the country. The UAE, the country that has been our home for the last three and a bit years turns 40 on Friday. It is odd to live in a country that is younger than me, and of course it does make me feel rather old, but I am trying to get into the spirit of things.
The streets are lined with flags, the houses are decorated and the cars, well, the cars are a sight to behold.
I think this outpouring of national pride for National Day is rather lovely, and I wish the Brits had more pride in Blightly. But what I find fascinating is the fact that the population of this nation made enormously wealthy by oil, shows its affection through its four-wheel drives.
One of the main events is the National Day Parade. Unlike parades in Red Square, for example, this involves locals in their elaborately decorated vehicles driving around the part of town where the F1 circuit is.

The rest of them will be driving around the centre of town beeping their horns and throwing streamers. The traffic will be almost stationary there are so many revellers. Last year I made the mistake of leaving the tennis court at 6pm to drive home, it is normally a 15-minute drive max. Three hours later I was still in traffic. But the girls made plenty of new friends along the way.

I think this year we will be on a boat with some friends and watch all the celebrations from the relative calm of the sea. It will be interesting to see what effect turning 40 has on the country. Not much I should think. A bit like humans.

Copyright: Helena Frith Powell 2011