Dubai’s Burj Khalifa to display Indian flag to mark 79th Indian Independence Day in UAE

Abu Dhabi/ Dubai: Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, the tallest tower in the world, will adorn the Indian flag to mark the 79th Indian Independence Day celebrations in the UAE on Friday, Gulf News can reveal.

The ceremonial display of the tricolour, which enthrals Indians across the world annually, is scheduled to take place at 7.50pm on August 15, according to details provided by the Indian Consulate in Dubai.

Other UAE landmarks are also expected to light up in the Indian tricolour on the occasion that marks India’s independence from British rule in 1947. UAE leaders also share congratulatory messages to the Indian leaders and citizens.

Meanwhile, the Indian diplomatic missions in the UAE will host official flag hoisting ceremonies early on Friday morning.

Considering the intense summer heat, the Indian Consulate in Dubai has advanced the flag hoisting schedule. Gates will open at 6am, with the flag hoisting scheduled for 6.30am, earlier than last year’s 7am and 8am in 2023.

The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi has similarly moved its event earlier, from 7.30am last year to 7.15am.

The UAE continues to endure the peak of summer with scorching temperatures and hazy conditions persisting across much of the country.

In Abu Dhabi, Ambassador Sanjay Sudhir will hoist the Indian flag. In Dubai, Consul General Satish Kumar Sivan will lead the ceremony.

Colourful cultural performances will follow the flag hoisting ceremonies.
In Abu Dhabi, the official celebrations will also include a tribal art exhibition and a special display on counter-terrorism efforts by India, highlighting the context of the recent Pahalgam terror attack.

Meanwhile, Indian expats have already kicked off the celebrations with social initiatives and events honouring the tricolour.

This year’s festivities commenced with a mega blood donation camp in Dubai. Organised under the patronage of the Indian Consulate and in partnership with FOI Events, the camp saw participation from around 270 donors. Among the proud donors was Ashish Verma, Consul (Passport), at the consulate.

The missions are also promoting the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign among the expats. ‘The Tricolour at Every Home’ is a government campaign encouraging citizens to hoist the national flag at their homes, especially during Independence Day and Republic Day (26 January), to instil a sense of patriotism and collective identity.

“On this Independence Day, join #HarGharTiranga campaign from 02–15 August 2025. Upload your selfie with the Tiranga. Hold it high, wear your pride wide! Let the colours of the Tricolour reflect the unity in our hearts and the pride in our souls,” the consulate said on social media.

To educate and inspire the younger generation, the consulate partnered with Glendale School in Dubai to host an exhibition as part of the campaign. The exhibition showcased the historical journey of the Indian national flag through various informative displays.

Titled ‘Amrit Kaal 2025’, the community event also featured cultural performances, competitions, and activities, with enthusiastic participation from the YUVA youth group. Pabitra Kumar Majumder, (Consular, Labour & Madad) joined the young diaspora at the event to encourage a sense of belonging and cultural pride among Indian youth in the UAE, according to the consulate.

In Sharjah, celebrations will include a special Independence Day Blitz Chess Tournament on Friday, hosted by the Sharjah Cultural Chess Club, in collaboration with the Sharjah International Chess Academy, the Indian Business and Professional Council, and the Indian Consulate in Dubai.

In addition to missions-led events, Indian associations, community groups, and businesses across the UAE are organising a host of celebrations. These range from flag hoisting and cultural shows to special discounts on Indian products and cuisine at hypermarkets, restaurants, and retail outlets. Airlines operating between the UAE and India have also launched special Independence Day fares.

On social media, Indian expats are actively sharing plans, sourcing tricolour-themed attire, and exchanging decoration ideas, reflecting the spirited enthusiasm of millions of expat community members proud of their roots.