Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Joins 78th Pakistan Independence Day Celebrations in Dubai
Dubai, The Gulf Observer: Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, joined Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to the UAE, along with senior officials, diplomats, business representatives, and members of the Pakistani community, in commemorating the 78th anniversary of Pakistan’s Independence Day at the Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City Dubai.
Organised by the “Emirates Loves Pakistan” platform, in cooperation with the Pakistan Association Dubai and with support from Dubai Police, the celebration drew more than 60,000 attendees. The event served both as a tribute to Pakistan’s independence and as a reflection of the enduring diplomatic, cultural, and social bonds between the UAE and Pakistan.
In his address, Sheikh Nahyan extended warm congratulations to the people of Pakistan, praising the country’s resilience, determination, and achievements. “Here in Dubai, we also celebrate the deep bonds of friendship and brotherhood uniting Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates,” he stated, adding that these ties are rooted in shared values, cultural heritage, mutual respect, and a collective vision for peace and prosperity.
Highlighting the UAE’s role as a beacon of tolerance and coexistence under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and with the support of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Sheikh Nahyan commended the Pakistani community’s vital contributions to the UAE’s growth and diversity. He encouraged community members to participate in a national writing competition, “What the UAE Means to Me,” launched by the Watani Al Emarat Foundation in partnership with the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence.
Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi reaffirmed the strength of the bilateral relationship, describing it as a model of mutual respect and cooperation across economic, cultural, and human development sectors. He emphasised the shared commitment to deepening ties through joint programmes that foster cultural exchange, economic partnership, and community engagement.
The event featured a diverse cultural programme, including traditional music, dance performances, art displays, and heritage cuisine, showcasing the rich traditions of Pakistan. Prominent community members were honoured for their exceptional achievements in fields such as law, education, business, sports, journalism, and philanthropy.
Among the honourees were Bashir Ahmed and Masood Haider Afridi (Afridi & Angell law firm), Abdul Salam and Shahida Salam (Pristine Private School), Khan Zaman (Ibrahimi Palace Restaurant), Muhammad Habib (Habib Bank AG Zurich), Shabbir Merchant (Champion Group), Umamah Ali (NASA Space Challenge App awardee), Rafiq Ally and Shakila Ally (family production studio owners), Farooq Samana and Imran Farooq (Samana Properties), Ahsan Rasheed (Peace Homes), Ali Ashraf Tumbi (Aqua Properties), Shafi Tabani (Prescott Homes), Atiq ur Rehman (veteran banker), Sana Mir (first Pakistani woman in ICC Hall of Fame), and Ashfaq Ahmad (longest-serving Pakistani journalist in the UAE with Gulf News).
Dr. Faisel Ikram, President of the Pakistan Association Dubai, announced a AED 45 million expansion of the Pakistan Medical Centre, aiming to triple healthcare services. Since its opening in October 2020, the facility has served over 140,000 patients from more than 100 nationalities. The new block will feature advanced diagnostics, radiology, dialysis services, and expanded specialised care.
Bilateral ties between the UAE and Pakistan date back to 1971, founded under the leadership of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The partnership has since grown to encompass a wide range of sectors, with the UAE emerging as a significant investor in Pakistan’s telecommunications, tourism, IT, oil and gas, housing, banking, and real estate sectors. In June 2025, both nations launched a strategic partnership in governmental modernisation, reflecting a shared commitment to exchanging best practices and enhancing institutional capacities.
