Indian expats in UAE brave cold, rain to celebrate 77th Republic Day

Abu Dhabi/ Dubai: Hundreds of Indian expats in the UAE braved rain and chilly weather to mark their country’s 77th Republic Day celebrations at the Indian diplomatic missions with colourful celebrations, despite Monday being a working day.

Commemorating the day the Indian Constitution came into effect on January 26 in 1950, community members took part in flag hoisting ceremonies at the Indian Consulate in Dubai and the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi. This was followed by cultural programmes that paid tributes to the freedom fighters, especially Dr BR Ambedkar, the architect of the Constitution of India.

Indian Ambassador to the UAE Dr Deepak Mittal unfurled the Indian flag at the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi at 8am.

Addressing the gathering, the Ambassador said he was delighted to celebrate the 77th Republic Day with the Indian community, especially as it was his first such occasion since assuming office in the UAE a few months ago.

“I am very happy and glad to see all of you this morning—people of all age groups, young students and elders—celebrating together with the tricolour held high and with pride in your hearts,” he said, adding that it was a “moment of great pride” for him to join the community on the occasion.

The Ambassador said the strong turnout reflected how deeply Indians abroad remain connected to their roots. “Your presence today is a testament to the fact that even while living overseas, we take deep pride in our roots and celebrate our national identity together, with a sense of belonging and pride,” Dr Mittal said.

Braving rain in Dubai

Earlier, at the Indian Consulate in Dubai, the flag hoisting ceremony was delayed by 15 minutes due to the rainy conditions. Consul General of India in Dubai Satish Kumar Sivan unfurled the tricolour at 7.15am.

Both the diplomats read out excerpts from the Republic Day message of the Indian President Droupadi Murmu.

In his speech, the Consul General praised the large number of Indian expats who attended the ceremony despite the inclement weather and on a working day.

"Be it rain, be it shine...Indians' love for their country is always there," he said to the loud applause of the audience.

Growing ties

Highlighting the growing India–UAE partnership, the Ambassador referred to recent advances in bilateral cooperation across trade, food security and defence, noting that the relationship is rooted in centuries-old historical and cultural ties. He said sustained efforts would continue to deepen engagement with the Indian community and further strengthen cooperation between the two nations.

Dr Mittal said that during the recent visit of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the leadership of both countries took key decisions to strengthen the strategic defence partnership. “These steps will contribute not only to our bilateral relationship but also to global peace and security,” he said.

Echoing these sentiments, Consul General Sivan said that India–UAE ties had matured into one of the most dynamic and forward-looking partnerships globally, rooted in civilisational exchanges and ancient maritime links. Today, he said, this continuity had evolved into a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership spanning trade, investment, energy, technology, defence, space and people-to-people ties.

He noted that bilateral trade has already crossed $100 billion, with both sides aiming to double it to $200 billion by 2032. “These gains represent jobs created, markets expanded and livelihoods transformed,” he said.

Sivan added that the recent presidential visit marked new milestones, including a landmark 10-year LNG supply agreement and accords on defence, space, infrastructure and digital cooperation, signalling a shared vision of innovation, resilience and mutual prosperity.

Deepest gratitude

On behalf of the people of India, he expressed “deepest gratitude to the leadership and people of the United Arab Emirates for their unstinting support and friendship,” adding that the partnership exemplifies how two nations can move forward together “with mutual respect, trust and shared aspirations.”

“Today, as we unfurl our sacred Tiranga, we reaffirm our pledge to the ideals of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. These enduring values continue to inspire Indians at home and across the world, binding us together in shared purpose and hope. Our Constitution is not just a legal document; it is a living testament to the hopes and dreams of millions who fought for freedom and a better future," said Sivan.

This year, he pointed out that Indians mark a truly significant milestone — the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram. "Composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, Vande Mataram has traversed through history, becoming an anthem of devotion, courage, and love for the motherland. Its words echoed through the hearts of freedom fighters and inspired generations,” he added.

Expats appreciated

Both the diplomats appreciated the more than 4.3 million-strong Indian expat community.

“The Indian community in the UAE is both vast and vibrant, representing one of the largest and most diverse Indian diasporas in the world. You are entrepreneurs, professionals, innovators, educators, caregivers, and cultural ambassadors — contributing to every facet of life in this land,” said the Consul General.

“Your achievements resonate not only within the Indian community but also within the broader society of the UAE, enriching its multicultural tapestry. Your successes reflect the confidence and trust that UAE has placed in your work and the integrity with which you carry yourselves. We salute all your accomplishments,” he said.

‘Gandhiji and Bharat Mata’

While many attendees came dressed in the tricolour, one family stood out. Mohammed Ayub, a sales professional from Karnataka, and his wife Fouziya brought their three children, all dressed in the national colours. The youngest, six-year-old Mohammed Faiz, who came dressed as Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation, quickly became the star of the event. He and his sister Farha, who was dressed as Bharat Mata (Mother India), received numerous requests for photographs.

Remembering Dr Ambedkar

Their elder sister Rifa said the occasion was also a moment to express gratitude to Dr B R Ambedkar. “He worked hard to ensure equality, justice and fraternity. I feel proud to be an Indian and hope that we can all contribute to making India a much stronger and more inclusive country,” she said.

‘Feel like in India’

Suruchi Sharma and Neelam Sood from Himachal Pradesh, and Anjali Vachhani from Gujarat—three friends from Bur Dubai—attended the celebrations with their family members. The women proudly wore custom-made tricolour caps. Suruchi said she had crocheted the caps specially to wear on Indian national days.

Currently homemakers, the friends said they feel blessed to be living in Dubai and to have found each other as family after moving here. “We still feel like we are back in India,” they said. They also shared that they were happy to see rain before the flag-hoisting ceremony. “In India, we consider rain before any ceremony as an auspicious sign,” they added.

Connecting generations

Vinod Richharia, a 68-year-old freelance consultant in quality, health, safety and environment, said he felt it was his moral responsibility to attend such celebrations and express his patriotism. He added that such ceremonies are important to connect the younger generation with their country. A UAE resident for 20 years, he said he was proud of the large Indian expat community and the respect they have learned from the people and leadership of the UAE. “It is great to see our bilateral relationships growing stronger,” he added.

Hashwata Sathish Kumar, a 16-year-old whose hula hoop dance received loud applause, said she felt happy and proud to be performing at the consulate after a hiatus. “I felt emotional, with mixed feelings. I felt proud and patriotic. This is a very good opportunity for the young generation to showcase their talent, make the nation proud, and learn more about its culture and heritage,” said the Grade 11 student of GEMS Our Own Indian School, Dubai.