Dubai: Thousands of expat Australians gathered across the UAE on Tuesday to celebrate Australia Day.
Numerous events were held in Dubai and Abu Dhabi with several others scheduled to take place across the country over the next few weeks.
In pictures: Australia Day celebrations
The UAE Red Crescent and Australian Meat are jointly hosting a charity barbecue at Dubai Creek Park on Friday, January 29.
Entertainment at the event — which aims to raise money for deprived children across the globe — will be provided by the popular Freej cartoon characters.
Lachlan Bowtell, General Manager of Meat and Livestock Australia, Middle East and North Africa region, said: "We encourage the community to get actively involved in this charity event especially as it is a pertinent opportunity for parents to teach their children to be good community members by donating cash and toys to unlucky children around the world."
The Australian Business Council in Dubai is holding an Australia Day Ball based on the popular Australian TV show Underbelly, which is based on the real events of the 1995-2004 gangland war in Melbourne.
Guests are being urged to attend the event, which is being held at Dubai's Grand Hyatt Hotel, dressed as their favourite character from the show.
The Australia and New Zealand Association (ANZA) is also hosting a joint Australia and New Zealand National Day Picnic on the grounds of a private date farm in Al Awir on Friday, February 5. The event, which begins at 11am will feature games, music and a national anthem competition.
