Photos: Indian expats in UAE celebrate 77th Independence Day

Sunjay Sudhir, Ambassador of India to the UAE, marked the 77th Indian Independence Day with pomp and festivity by hoisting the national flag at the embassy premises in Abu Dhabi.

Ramkumar Thangaraj, Acting Consul General of India to Dubai, led the celerations with Indian nationals present at the diplomatic compound in Dubai.

Indian diplomats and expatriates at the flag-hoisting ceremony which kicked off celebrations at the Indian Consulate in Dubai.

Children entertain audiences at the Independence Day celebrations at the Indian Consulate in Dubai.

In a speech to Indians gathered in the embassy, Ambassador Sudhir said: “I convey my warm greetings and best wishes to you all. Members of the vibrant and dynamic Indian community, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each one of you, for gracing this occasion with your presence.

Audience watch as children perform at the Indian Consulate in Dubai.

School children present a display of "Kalaripayattu", the traditional Indian martial arts form.

In his speech to all those gathered at the consulate, Ramkumar Thangaraj, Acting Consul General of India to Dubai, said: “As we celebrate the 77th anniversary of India’s Independence, I am filled with immense pride and joy to extend my warmest greetings to my fellow Indians and friends of India in the United Arab Emirates."

A large number of Indian expats gathered at the embassy premises in Abu Dhabi to mark the Independence Day.

A traditional dance performed during the 77th Indian Independence Day celebrations at the Indian Consulate in Dubai.

School children garbed in the Indian tri-colour perform at the Indian Consulate in Dubai.

A large crowd gathered at the Indian Consulate in Dubai to mark the Independence Day.