Pakistan cricket stars Afridi and Gul celebrate Guinness World Record in Dubai

Dubai: Pakistani cricket stars Shahid Afridi and Umar Gul visited the Pakistan Association Dubai (PAD) on Sunday to honour a remarkable Guinness World Record that has captured global attention.

The occasion marked the official recognition of the Hands of Unity campaign, which earned the Guinness World Record for creating the Largest UAE Flag with Handprints, a striking symbol composed of 24,514 individual handprints from people representing over 100 nationalities. The initiative was jointly spearheaded by PAD, the grassroots movement Emirates Loves, and Pakistani artist Rubab Zahra. It was formally awarded on May 22nd during a special ceremony held at the PAD headquarters.

Record setting

The record-setting flag is more than an artistic feat; it is a powerful statement of diversity, inclusion, and the enduring spirit of the UAE, aligning perfectly with the values of the UAE’s Year of Community — a nationwide campaign dedicated to celebrating coexistence and social unity.

Shahid Afridi, former Pakistan captain and one of the most iconic figures in world cricket, praised the initiative during his visit: “I want to thank Pakistan Association Dubai and Emirates Loves Pakistan for inviting me to this great occasion. This is a country [UAE] that unites 200+ nationalities and you can see that reflected in these 24,000+ handprints. Special thanks to the entire PAD team whose efforts made this world record possible. It is a team game, and they worked like a true team.”

Uma Gul

Pakistani pacer Umar Gul, known for his stellar bowling and long-standing contributions to international cricket, said:  “It is so inspiring to see this bond of love between such a diverse community. This is exactly what we want to see in the world -- peace and social cohesion.”

Dr Faisel Ikram, President of Pakistan Association Dubai, emphasized the deeper meaning behind the campaign:

“Their presence reminded us of the strength of unity – not just in sport, but across communities. This record is our token of appreciation for the UAE, which is home to almost two million Pakistanis and a country that leads with values of tolerance and togetherness.”

Promoting tolerance

He noted: As the UAE continues to lead the region in promoting tolerance, initiatives like the Hands of Unity campaign serve as powerful reminders that real change begins when communities come together, one handprint at a time."

Hands of Unity

The Hands of Unity campaign was an ambitious nationwide initiative that mobilised 23 schools and universities, activated 39 locations across the Emirates, and brought together thousands of individuals from diverse backgrounds. The result: a visually stunning and deeply symbolic UAE flag, stitched together with handprints from students, workers, artists, and families alike.

The visit by Shahid Afridi and Umar Gul added a special glow to an already momentous achievement, bridging the worlds of sport and social impact.