Over 10,000 attend Pakistan Independence Day celebration in UAE

The Dubai World Trade Centre hosted a 77th Pakistan Independence Day celebration, drawing over 10,000 attendees. Organized by the UAE Government Media Office with "Emirates Loves Pakistan," the Pakistan Association Dubai, Dubai Police, and Dubai World Trade Centre, the event showcased UAE-Pakistan ties.

In attendance was 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.

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

The UAE leader said, “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 program also celebrated the contributions of the Pakistani community to the UAE's development, including their role in fostering sustainable growth.

Alia Al Hammadi, Deputy Chairperson of the UAE Government Media Office, emphasized that the celebration reflects the deep-rooted historical relations and strategic partnership between the United Arab Emirates and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

Al Hammadi noted that cooperation between the two countries spans various fields, highlighting that the UAE is keen to support sustainable development in Pakistan through the implementation of major projects.

In a special ceremony, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan honored several distinguished Pakistani individuals for their significant contributions across various fields.

Among the honorees was Dr. Faisel Ikram, President of the Pakistan Association Dubai, recognized for his efforts in establishing the largest community center 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.

Other notable honorees included Dr. Yarjan Abdul Samad, an Assistant Professor of Aerospace Engineering at Khalifa University, UAE and a Senior Research Associate and Senior Teaching Fellow at The University of Cambridge. His research work is based on developing graphene & 2d materials-based technologies for Space and Aerospace. He was among the team of scientists on European Space Agency (ESA)’s Zero Gravity flights who were the first to test Graphene in microgravity.

Chef Chaudary Abdul Hameed, founder of the renowned Ravi Restaurant, was also recognized for his impact on Dubai's culinary scene, along with Halima Jumani, co-founder of Kibsons, who has played a pivotal role in establishing the brand as a leading name in the UAE's grocery market.
Additionally, Mudassir Sheikha, co-founder of Careem, received accolades for revolutionizing the transportation sector in the region. Yahya Jan, President and Design Director at NORR, was honored for his contributions to architecture, including the design of the upcoming "Ciel Tower" set to be the tallest hotel in the world.

The celebration also honoured prominent Pakistani athletes, including Naila Kiani, the first Pakistani woman & overall third Pakistani to climb 11 of the 14 highest peaks above 8,000 metres, and cricket legend Shahid Afridi for his record-breaking achievements and charitable work. Squash champion Jahangir Khan and hockey star Shahbaz Ahmed were also recognised for their outstanding sports careers.