MALAYSIANS THRONG ABU DHABI EMBASSY FOR AIDILFITRI OPEN HOUSE

By Muin Abdul Majid
DUBAI, Oct 3 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian embassy in Abu Dhabi was a hive of activity Thursday as it opened its doors to Malaysians from across the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the Aidilfitri open house.

The new charge d'affaires at the embassy, Abdullah Ma'amor Ibrahim, was
on hand to welcome guests before they made their way to the buffet spread
offering tantalising Malaysian favourites like satay, mee goreng, ayam masak
merah, nasi lemak and various biscuits.

"I'm glad that so many Malaysians turned up at our open house today for I
was told that many others had gone back to Malaysia to celebrate Aidilfitri,"
said Abdullah who arrived in Abu Dhabi for his new posting three weeks
ago.

The Malaysian consul-general in Dubai, Syed Mohamad Hasrin Tengku Hussin,
who attended the event, said Malaysia's open house tradition fostered the
"muhibah spirit" among multi-ethnic Malaysians, and it was no different
today.

Many came dressed in baju Melayu and baju kurung and kebaya outfits,
enjoying themselves during the 4pm to 7pm event as the "Jalur Gemilang"
national flag flew proudly over the embassy.

Just like many other countries in the Gulf region, the UAE celebrated
Aidilfitri on Tuesday.

A Malaysian architect, a newcomer to UAE, said it was a good opportunity
for him to meet fellow Malaysians and introduce his business to interested
parties.

-- BERNAMA