Dubai: The Kyrgyz community have begun the celebrations for their country’s Independence Day.

Around 100 expatriates, consulate officials and other honorary guests attended the event at the Coral Deira Hotel.

Mars Orozov, coordinator of the Kyrgyz Club, said the cultural event included several performances of traditional dancing and singing by a folklore club. A traditional Kyrgyz instrument called a komuz was also played at the event.

Along with several speeches by the club’s coordinator and the event’s sponsors, the evening also included a raffle and several contests for children and adults.

A range of prizes were given out to the winners including home appliances, mobile phones and a gold jewellery set as the grand prize.

Guests and sponsors, which included representatives from Space Cargo and Altin Jewellery Company, were also present at the celebration.

With an estimated 3,000 to 4,000 Kyrgyz expatriates residing and working in Dubai, the Kyrgyz Club plans to host several events in the upcoming months, including an Eid Al Adha event in October and another at New Year.