Sheikh Nahyan praises strong UAE-Iraq ties during community celebration

Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, has affirmed the UAE's commitment to building relations with Iraq during the second edition of the “UAE Loves Iraq” festival on Saturday.

The celebration witnessed the participation of more than 15,000 people, including Iraqi residents, Emiratis, and members of other communities at the Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City Dubai. 

Organised by the “UAE Loves Iraq” platform, the event was attended by Samer Salman Abed, Acting Consul General of the Republic of Iraq in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, along with diplomats and leading figures from the business, social and cultural sectors.

Sheikh Nahyan praised Iraq as a historic centre of learning that has drawn students from across the region, and recalled the tribute that the great Iraqi poet Mohammed Mahdi Al Jawahiri paid to Abu Dhabi.

The programme featured performances by artists Rahma Riad and Mahmoud Al Turki. It also honoured members of the Iraqi community in the UAE for their achievements and distinguished contributions in medicine, academia, culture, the arts, architecture and business, shining a light on their success stories and their role in society.

Visitors explored interactive spaces inspired by Iraqi landmarks, including a recreation of the Ishtar Gate, an experience evoking Baghdad’s Al Mutanabbi Street and a model of the Malwiya Minaret of Samarra.

Dedicated zones also showcased Baghdad, Basra, Nineveh, Babylon, Najaf, Erbil and Sulaymaniyah, alongside an art exhibition, family activities and Iraqi cuisine.