Monitoring Desk: The largest gathering in the world of Independence Day of Pakistan was held in UAE, where over 60,000 people attended the marathon event.
Since the establishment of relations between Pakistan and the UAE, it was the biggest celebration of Pakistan’s Independence Day in the UAE. It is pertinent to mention that Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, joined the Pakistani community in celebrating the 78th anniversary of Independence Day at the Dubai Exhibition Centre in Expo City Dubai.
In his speech, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan congratulated the people of Pakistan and said that celebrations signify that Pakistanis are a robust nation.
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak continued:
“Our steadfast relationship is founded on shared values, cultural heritage, mutual respect, and a collective vision for peace and prosperity. The UAE stands with Pakistan as a friend and partner. These ties are strengthened daily through the invaluable contributions of the Pakistani community, whose talent, dedication, and creativity enrich the fabric of our country. The partnership between the UAE and Pakistan exemplifies the fraternal bonds essential for fostering social and economic prosperity globally. I am delighted to express my optimism for the bright future awaiting our two nations. Under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and with the support of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, the UAE has emerged as a global beacon of tolerance, coexistence, and human fraternity. Our nation embraces individuals from diverse backgrounds, living and working together in peace and security. In the UAE, we cherish diversity, promote dialogue, and are united by shared values. This societal harmony is among our greatest achievements, and the Pakistani community is a vital part of this success. Today, in Dubai, we have every reason to rejoice in your National Independence Day”, he added.
Sheikh Nahyan expressed his confidence that the Pakistani community will contribute many inspiring entries to this competition. He urged those present to encourage their families, friends, and colleagues to participate, sharing their stories, aspirations, achievements, and gratitude. These contributions will form a collective legacy of life in the UAE, inspiring generations to come.
Organised by “Emirates Loves Pakistan” Page, a platform dedicated to sharing inspiring content that highlights the success stories and contributions of the Pakistani community in the UAE in cooperation with the Pakistan Association Dubai and with support from Dubai Police, the event testified that Public Diplomacy, people to people contact and building stronger public and private relationship are ingredient of showcasing Pakistan was only possible through connectivity established and enhanced by the Embassy of Pakistan in UAE under the leadership of Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi.
Ambassador Tirmizi has been proactive since he assumed his responsibility as the Ambassador in the UAE, who will soon resume his next assignment in Russia in October 2025 as Ambassador of Pakistan.
The longest-serving Pakistani journalist in the UAE, Ashfaq Ahmad of Gulf New, was also awarded
Participants, when contacted to comment on the gracious celebration, stated that the event provided an opportunity to reinforce social relations within the Pakistani community and reflected the success of Pakistan’s diplomacy in the UAE.
The event featured a programme of entertainment and cultural activities that showcased the distinct heritage, traditions, and arts of Pakistan, including its broad diversity. It highlighted the unique cultural identity of the Pakistani community through its arts, music, and folk traditions, as well as the varied talents of the Pakistani diaspora in the UAE, within a unified cultural framework.
The programme also acknowledged the positive contributions of the community to the UAE’s sustainable development, including cultural performances, traditional dances, musical displays, a section for heritage cuisine, and artistic works inspired by Pakistan’s rich environmental and cultural landmarks.
The event included a ceremony to recognise many prominent individuals and achievers from the Pakistani community who have demonstrated excellence and success across various fields and sectors through their contributions in the UAE.
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan honoured the following personalities for their contributions: Bashir Ahmed & Masood Haider Afridi – owners of Afridi & Angell, law firm in the UAE, Abdul Salam & Shahida Salam – Founders of Pristine Private School, first British Pakistani Curriculum School in the UAE, Khan Zaman – Founder of Ibrahimi Palace Restaurant, longest-serving Pakistani in Abu Dhabi, Muhammad Habib – Founder of Habib Bank AG Zurich, Shabbir Merchant – Founder of Champion Group, Umamah Ali – who won NASA Space Challenge App award, Rafiq Ally & Shakila Ally – who manage a family production studio in the UAE, Farooq Samana & Imran Farooq – Founders of Samana Properties, Ahsan Rasheed – Founder of Peace Homes, Ali Ashraf Tumbi – Founder of Aqua Properties, Shafi Tabani – Founder of Prescott Homes, Atiq ur Rehman – longest-serving Pakistani banker in the UAE, headed CitiBank, Sana Mir – Pakistan’s most celebrated female cricket player, first woman in ICC Hall of Fame, and Ashfaq Ahmad – longest-serving Pakistani journalist in the UAE with Gulf News.
