Just stumbled upon this video a short while ago. Life in the Emirates by The Establishment (featuring Michael Kiely and Patrick Brady) is an ode to the United Arab Emirates from an expats point of view. I love that "TheBoracayboy" has put together this video using (what I assume) are his photos from his time in the United Arab Emirates in the late 1970s.

This song is a warm tribute to life in the United Arab Emirates. The song was written and recorded in 1979 by two Irish men and Michael Kiely and was immediately a popular hit. It has been played many, many times by Capitol Radio in Abu Dhabi and by Radio in Dubai and been sung in numerous hotels throughout the U.A.E.. The song is the most famous song in English about this country.
"LIFE IN THE EMIRATES" is a sincere yet light hearted song of praise to this wonderful country. The words speak for themselves. via Patrick Brady

I'd love to get my hands on the record - the artwork on it is too adorable. [UPDATE-Jan 15, 2025: I now own a copy]

This one goes out to all my friends that have made the United Arab Emirates their home.

It's tough in the gulf when the ACs not working
and the desert is burning in the hot noon day sun
But I've learnt how to cope take the smooth with the rough
Cos like every expat I'm a long way from home

Hala wa marhaba" to life in the Emirates
Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, Abu Dhabi, Ajman
They’re the places I love and the places I won’t forget
Sharjah, Fujeirah and Umm Al Quwain

Well I miss my sweet wife and I miss my dear children
Sometimes I feel like it's breaking my heart
And I'll never get used to having Sunday on Friday
But I know I'll feel sorry when it's time to depart

Hala wa marhaba to life in the Emirates
Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, Abu Dhabi, Ajman
They’re the places I love and the places I won’t forget
Sharjah, Fujeirah and Umm Al Quwain

I work hard for my dirhams and I try hard to save them
but at the end of each day I am worked to the bone
but the friends I have made here will be my friends forever
Bokra inshallah I am never alone

Hala wa marhaba to life in the Emirates
Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, Abu Dhabi, Ajman
They’re the places I love and the places I won’t forget
Sharjah, Fujeirah and Umm Al Quwain

You can order this song via Patrick Brady's website.

(via S*uce)