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Party on credit

and ‘spend wisely’ pour out from the mouths of monetary pundits, one wonders how much people are actually willing to spend on New Year’s Eve.

So, we went out and asked a few people how much the economic environment has effected their decision to spend on a fun night out on the advent of the New Year.

Nidhin Benoy, 22, Student, Indian

“With the ongoing credit crunch not only has there been a rough patch in choosing which party to attend but the quality of the parties have also been affected. Obviously, the financial crisis has considerably lowered the spending budget for New Year’s Eve. There is clear separation in the parties organised this year, catering to the affluent on one end of the spectrum and on the other end, clearly dipping in quality drastically.”

Briohny Granzien, 28, Events Coordinator, Australian

“I’m planning on going to France for a week. If I were staying in Dubai for New Year’s Eve, I’d probably be spending it with friends and family instead of going out and spending money on a party. I’m sure everybody is watching their money right now.”

Nicholas Dreves, 27, Environmental Consultant, American

“For the most part it is not affecting me at all; I quit my job and am leaving the U.A.E., so I’m using my savings as it is. I budgeted for this day months ago. I’m staying with my family for New Year’s Eve; my brother is coming down from the U.S. and my girlfriend will be coming from South America. But I’m staying home because I prefer to, not because of the recession.”

Karla Cantalej, 20, Student, Philippines

“The global recession was expected. For some reason, the prices of parties are higher this year than what it was last year. I wish it wasn’t so; but it has not stopped me from attending the party of my choice and going to the place I want to.”

Nidal Houchaime,20, Student, Lebanese

Even though this recession is a terribly sad thing, and I am aware that it has affected a lot of people, thankfully, my New Year’s Eve plan has not been affected. But there are fewer parties, it’s just that this has not stopped me from celebrating New Year’s or changed my plan in any way.

citytime@emirates.net.ae