My Own Copy of Life in the Emirates by The Establishment
In December 2011, I wrote about Life in the Emirates, a song from the 1970s by The Establishment. I included this quote from a website that is now no longer available:
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.
I also wrote, “I'd love to get my hands on the record - the artwork on it is too adorable.”
A couple of weeks ago, I finally got to hold it in my hands. It was a belated birthday present from Todd Reisz, and I shrieked with joy.
The back cover includes interesting details about where it was recorded and who produced it:
Recorded at Audio Productions, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Engineered by RON BAGNULO. Special thanks to THEO MONDALE, YOSUF DECCACHE, and the management of the DUBAI HILTON for their help in the production of this record.
Arabic script by MICHEL ABI NADER of Chez Kinda
If anyone reading this knows the names mentioned here, please let me know. Also what or where is/was Chez Kinda?
Earlier this month I wrote about a new record titled Made in the Emirates - Volume 1, and this record by The Establishment to me is its precursor.
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 aloneHala 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 Quwuain