Dubai: Pakistani community members in the UAE are gearing up to celebrate their country’s National Day on March 23.

To mark the day, Pakistan Association in Dubai (PAD), the largest community organisation of Pakistani expatriates, have announced to hold an array of colourful events starting from March 16 to March 24. This year’s theme of Pakistan Day which falls on March23, is ‘Main bhi Pakistan Hun, Tum bhi Pakistan hu’ (I am also Pakistan and you are also Pakistan).

“Our aim is to portray soft image of Pakistan and to provide the community members in the UAE an opportunity to mark Pakistan Day in a befitting manner,” said Dr Ziaul Hassan, president of the PAD while addressing a press conference in Dubai. Zahid Tirmizi, vice president and Dr Faisal Ikram, general secretary also accompanied him to give details of events lined up for the celebrations.

The main celebrations will include cultural, social, musical, educational, and sports events in addition to food stalls offering traditional Pakistani cuisines at the PAD premises from March 21 to 24. Entry is free for all and the venue is open from 4pm to 11pm daily. There will be 40 stalls of Pakistani products, live food corner, folk music and dances, magicians, and bouncy castles.

The celebrations will start with a poetry evening by UAE based Pakistan poets on March 16.

“One of the main objectives to hold celebrations is to provide a platform community members to participate in the wide range of activities and provide entertainment to families,” said Dr Hassan.

The association will also invite at least 10 other expatriates community clubs in the UAE in a bid to give them insight into Pakistani culture and give them opportunity to interact with the community.

There will be national song competition, dress competition, face paintings, drawing and art competition, best project competition from various schools, rides, rifle shooting, ice cream eating competition, fun games, karate and lucky draws during the four days.

Study in Pakistan, an education exhibition will also be part of the event . Some 20 Pakistani universities and colleges will participate in the ‘Study in Pakistan Expo’ which will also be held at the association on March 23.

Doctors Wing of the association will organize a health awareness day with lectures and free medical advice and basic health checks for visitors.