Sheikh Nahyan joins over 60,000 in Dubai to celebrate Pakistan Independence Day

Dubai: More than 60,000 people gathered at the Dubai Exhibition Centre in Expo City on Thursday to mark Pakistan’s 78th Independence Day in one of the largest overseas celebrations of its kind.

The event was attended by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, alongside Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Ambassador of Pakistan to the UAE, and other dignitaries, diplomats, and community leaders.

Organised by the “Emirates Loves Pakistan”, a social platform dedicated to sharing inspiring content that highlights the success stories and contributions of the Pakistani community in the UAE, in collaboration with the Pakistan Association Dubai (PAD), and with support from Dubai Police, the celebration highlighted the strong and enduring relationship between the two nations.

The 12-hour long programme which started at 11am, features live performances by Pakistan’s national superstar Sahir Ali Bagga, acclaimed Sufi rock singer Natasha Baig, and celebrated storyteller Yousuf Bashir Qureshi. Cultural displays, folk performances, art exhibitions, and traditional food stalls were also part of the celebrations, reflecting the rich heritage of Pakistan and the enduring friendship between Pakistan and the UAE.

In his keynote address, Sheikh Nahyan praised the contributions of the Pakistani community in the UAE and emphasised the historical, cultural, and economic ties that bind both countries.

“It is an honour to join you in commemorating Pakistan’s Independence Day. I extend my warmest congratulations to you all and to the people of Pakistan on this momentous occasion. Here in Dubai, we also celebrate the deep bonds of friendship and brotherhood uniting Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.”

He added that the partnership between the UAE and Pakistan is built on “shared values, cultural heritage, mutual respect, and a collective vision for peace and prosperity.”

Sheikh Nahyan also reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to coexistence and diversity under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

“Our nation embraces individuals from diverse backgrounds, living and working together in peace and security. The Pakistani community is a vital part of this success,” he said.

He also invited attendees to participate in a nationwide storytelling initiative titled “What the UAE Means to Me”, launched under the “Year of Community” in collaboration with the Watani Al Emarat Foundation and the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence.

The event featured a wide array of cultural performances celebrating Pakistan’s rich heritage, including traditional music, dances, art exhibitions, and regional cuisine. Performers from all four provinces of Pakistan, as well as from Gilgit-Baltistan and Pakistan administered Jammu and Kashmir, took part.

Pakistan Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi described the event as a historic moment for the global Pakistani diaspora.

“This is the biggest Pakistan Independence Day celebration in the world. Artists, performers, and singers from Pakistan, representing all four provinces along with Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir, showcased Pakistan’s diverse cultural heritage through music, dance, cuisine, and traditional attire,” he added.

Hussain Muhammad, Consul General of Pakistan in Dubai, extended his gratitude to the organisers and emphasised the community’s role in strengthening the bilateral relationship. He praised the Pakistani community’s contributions to the UAE’s development and urged continued respect for local laws and traditions.

In a significant announcement, Dr. Faisel Ikram, President of Pakistan Association Dubai, revealed a new Dh45 million expansion plan for the Pakistan Medical Centre (PMC). The new block will triple the centre’s capacity and introduce advanced services, including diagnostics and radiology, a dialysis unit, and expanded physiotherapy. Since opening in October 2020, PMC has served over 140,000 patients from more than 100 nationalities.

A special recognition ceremony honoured prominent Pakistani individuals for their contributions to the UAE across business, education, media, and the arts.

Bilateral ties

The event also highlighted the growing strategic partnership between the UAE and Pakistan. Diplomatic ties date back to 1971, and cooperation continues to expand across sectors such as energy, telecommunications, finance, tourism, and government modernisation.

In June, both nations launched a strategic partnership for government modernisation, aimed at sharing best practices and strengthening institutional capacity.

The UAE remains one of Pakistan’s key economic partners and a major destination for Pakistani expatriates — who continue to play a vital role in the UAE’s development and multicultural society.