Cultural performances enthral audience at Pak I-Day celebration in Dubai
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, alongside Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Ambassador of Pakistan to the UAE, and a number of officials, diplomats, economic representatives, and social figures from the Pakistani community, attended a gathering marking the 78th anniversary of Pakistan's Independence Day at the Dubai Exhibition Centre in Expo City Dubai.
The event attracted more than 60,000 attendees and was 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 occasion provided an opportunity to strengthen social relations within the Pakistani community and reflected the established diplomatic ties between the peoples of the UAE and Pakistan.
On the occasion Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan extended "my warmest congratulations to you all and to the people of Pakistan" on this momentous occasion". He said he shared "your pride in celebrating what this day signifies for Pakistanis worldwide".
He added that the day was a testament to a robust national identity, resilience, determination, achievement, and optimism for the future. "Here in Dubai, we also celebrate the deep bonds of friendship and brotherhood uniting Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates."
The UAE, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak continued, 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," he stated.
He further stated that under the leadership of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and with the support of Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, 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 said.
He highlighted a significant national writing competition organised by the Watani Al Emarat Foundation in collaboration with the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence, as part of the 'Year of Community' initiatives.
"We invite all residents of the UAEcitizens and expatriates, young and oldto share their reflections on the theme 'What the UAE Means to Me.' He expressed his confidence that the Pakistani community will contribute many inspiring entries to this competition.
The Independence Day 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 a number of 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.
The ambassador of Pakistan told to the Emirates news agency WAM on the sidelines of the event that "over the past decades, the UAE and Pakistan have established distinguished relations based on mutual respect and constructive cooperation in various fields", particularly in the economy, culture, and human development.
He expressed his pride in the fraternal bond uniting the two peoples, reaffirming a shared commitment to further strengthen it through joint programmes and initiatives that foster cultural exchange, bolster economic cooperation, and bring communities closer together through the arts, music, and a rich cultural heritage. APP
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