Sheikh Nahyan with Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Shahid Afridi and other dignitaries at the event.

Jamil Khan, Senior Reporter

Thousands of Pakistani families from different backgrounds attended the biggest Independence Day (I-Day) celebrations held at DWTC Arena on Sunday and showed their patriotism and love to the nation.

Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, along with Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Ambassador of Pakistan to the UAE, and several dignitaries and diplomats, attended a grand celebration marking the 77th anniversary of Pakistan’s independence.

Sheikh Nahyan highlighted the deep-rooted ties between the UAE and Pakistan, emphasising the commitment of both countries to nurturing and strengthening their relationship.

Sheikh Nahyan said: “Our cultural, political, commercial, and people-to-people linkages are deeply rooted in shared values and beliefs and provide a strong and stable foundation for our close relations, now and in the future. We also have hope and strong resolve for achieving progress and peace in all corners of the world, we are determined to take advantage of the emerging and growing special place of both Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates in world affairs.” The Minister added: “On this special occasion of your country’s 77th Day of Independence, we in the UAE are proud to join the people of Pakistan in offering hope and optimism for the future of our countries, our region, and the world. We in the UAE are proud to work with our Pakistani brothers and sisters to achieve regional and global progress and prosperity.” The event showcased the rich cultural diversity of Pakistan, featuring a variety of performances, including traditional music and dance, as well as exhibitions of Pakistani handicrafts. The programme also celebrated the contributions of the Pakistani community to the UAE’s development, including their role in fostering sustainable growth.

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The inaugural session was also attended by Hussain Muhammad, Consul General in Dubai and Northern Emirates, Jahangir Khan, the legendary Pakistani squash player, Dr Faisal Ikram, President Pakistan Association Dubai and heads of all wings of the association.

The day-long event with the participation of thousands of community members to participate in scores of activities was organised jointly by the Pakistan Association Dubai (PAD) and Emirates Loves Pakistan (ELP).

Ahead of the official ribbon cutting ceremony at the main stage, a community parade was held in which the community members participated under different banners to show their associations.

The parade was a unique show of unity as members walked the area in groups representing provincial, educational and other groups.

The event at the Dubai World Trade Centre with around 10,000 people was marked as the biggest celebration, which included a vibrant range of programmes featuring cultural performances, musical shows, and traditional activities that showcased the rich heritage and contribution of the Pakistani community to the UAE’s development.

The event also incorporated a number of musical performances by renowned Pakistani artists including Shehzad Roy, Hadia Hashmi, Khumariyan besides many other acts by different Pakistani regional artists. Many visitors also expressed their utmost joy on exhibitions that showcased different paintings, historical documents and photographs of Pakistan.

Different stalls were also set up to display the cultural side of the country for the visitors. However, over a dozen small entrepreneurs also set up their stalls to sell traditional items including women garments, ethnical jewellery and food items.

Furthermore, in the evening, Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence was the chief guest to award the “Pakistan Award.”

The celebration demonstrates the UAE’s dedication to fostering international cooperation, promoting tolerance, and creating a harmonious environment where diverse cultures coexist peacefully.

In a special ceremony, Sheikh Nahyan honoured several distinguished Pakistani individuals for their significant contributions across various fields.

Among the honorees was Dr Faisel Ikram, President of the Pakistan Association Dubai, recognised for his efforts in establishing the largest community centre for overseas Pakistanis.

The association’s medical centre, the first non-profit healthcare facility in the GCC, has provided affordable healthcare to thousands since its inception.