Key points
- Over 60,000 attend cultural event at Expo City
- Sheikh Nahyan praises strong UAE-Pakistan bilateral ties
- Pakistan Medical Centre announces AED 45m expansion
ISLAMABAD: Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, and Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Ambassador of Pakistan to the UAE, joined diplomats, officials, and community members at the Dubai Exhibition Centre in Expo City to mark Pakistan’s 78th Independence Day.
Organised by the “Emirates Loves Pakistan” platform in collaboration with Pakistan Association Dubai and supported by Dubai Police, the event welcomed over 60,000 attendees. It celebrated the strong ties between the UAE and Pakistan and highlighted the achievements of the Pakistani community in the Emirates, according to Emirates News Agency.
In his address, Sheikh Nahyan praised the significance of Pakistan’s Independence Day, saying, “I extend my warmest congratulations to you all and to the people of Pakistan on this momentous occasion… we also celebrate the deep bonds of friendship and brotherhood uniting Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.”
Shared values
He commended the Pakistani community’s contributions and reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to the values of tolerance, unity, and coexistence. “Our steadfast relationship is founded on shared values, cultural heritage, mutual respect, and a collective vision for peace and prosperity,” he said.
Sheikh Nahyan also promoted a national writing competition titled “What the UAE Means to Me”, inviting UAE residents to submit personal reflections in various formats via www.myuaestory.ae.
Ambassador Tirmizi, speaking to Emirates News Agency (WAM), called the bilateral relationship a model of cooperation and expressed confidence in further strengthening cultural and economic ties.
The event showcased Pakistan’s rich cultural diversity with music, dance, cuisine, and art displays. It also honoured distinguished members of the Pakistani diaspora, including Sana Mir, Umamah Ali, and Ashfaq Ahmad, for their outstanding contributions in fields ranging from sports and journalism to banking and education.
Leading investor
Dr Faisel Ikram, President of the Pakistan Association Dubai, announced the AED 45 million expansion of the Pakistan Medical Centre. Since 2020, the centre has treated over 140,000 patients of more than 100 nationalities.
The expansion will include dialysis, radiology, and additional specialised services.
Relations between the UAE and Pakistan, formally established in 1971, have continued to grow across key sectors.
A new governmental modernisation partnership launched in June reflects both nations’ commitment to shared growth. The UAE remains one of Pakistan’s leading investors, particularly in real estate, technology, energy, and banking.
