Watch: Biggest ever Diwali festival in Dubai draws more than 60,000 people in Zabeel Park
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak honours leading members of the Indian community for their outstanding achievements
Dubai: More than 60,000 Indian expatriates and visitors attend the biggest ever Diwali celebrations at Zabeel Park in Dubai on Saturday night.
Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence; Sunjay Sudhir, India’s Ambassador to the UAE and a host of diplomats and dignitaries from the Indian community in the UAE, joined the Diwali celebrations.
Organized by "Emirates Love India," with support from the UAE Government Media Office and the participation of Dubai Police, the celebration attracted some 60,000 people, showcasing the uniqueness and diversity of Indian folklore, culture, and art. While bringing the Indian community in the UAE closer together, the celebration also highlighted the longstanding strong ties between the two nations.
Speaking on the occasion Sheikh Nahyan stated: "I am proud of the very close and friendly relations that exist between India and the United Arab Emirates. I am delighted that these Diwali Celebrations highlight our appreciation in the UAE of the culture, arts, and the way of life of India and its people.
“This evening, we not only celebrate Diwali but also rejoice in the special relationship of friendship and trust that exist between India and the United Arab Emirates. Under the wise leadership of His Highness the President, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, we are honored to count India as a friend of the United Arab Emirates.
“India and the United Arab Emirates have a long history of friendship and cooperation. And as we move ahead with confidence into the future together, we will continue to advance and strengthen the bonds between our two countries. I trust that the future will see much more of India in the UAE and much more of the UAE in India.”
Large crowds
Excellent organisation, pleasant weather, and the significance of the occasion for the Indian community combined to draw large crowds to the celebration. The diverse program of events further enhanced attendance and reflected the UAE's commitment to fostering cross-cultural cooperation and coexistence.
Indian heritage
The celebration showcased India's rich cultural diversity, including its unique arts, music, and folklore traditions. Highlighting a range of Indian talents, the event emphasized the unity of its people and their valuable contributions to the UAE's sustainable development. Activities included a handicraft showcase, children's entertainment, musical performances, folk dances, and traditional art displays.
Honoring distinguished achievements
A group of leading Indian personalities were recognized during the celebration for their distinguished achievements and success in the UAE.
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak honoured Harish Tahiliani, Managing Director of Arab India Spices; Nilesh Ved, Chairman of Apparel Group; Nisha Jagtiani, Group Director of Landmark Group attending on behalf of the Group’s Chairwoman Renuka Jagtiani; Pankaj Gupta, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Gulf Islamic Investments; Rizwan Sajan, Founder and Chairman of Danube Group; K P Basheer. Chairman of Western International Group; Atif Rahman, Founder and Chairman of Oro 24 Developments; Komal Chabbaria Wazir, Director of Jumbo Electronics Group attending on behalf of the Group’s Chairperson Vidya Chabbaria; Sunny Varkey, Founder and Executive Chairman of GEMS Education; Girish Jethwani, Managing Director of Geebee Group; Siddharth Balachandran, Executive Chairman and CEO of Buimerc Corporation and Dr. Surender Singh Kandhari, Founder and Chairman of Al Dobowi Group.
Bilateral relations
The UAE-India ties are rooted in a long history of close collaboration, with diplomatic ties starting back in 1972, since which the two nations signed over 96 bilateral agreements and MoUs.