Today's Edition
DUBAI (WAM)
H.E. Sheikh 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, have joined the community’s celebrations on the occasion of the Festival of Lights ‘Diwali’, at Zabeel Park, Dubai.
Organised 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.
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak 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.”
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak added: “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 President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, we are honoured 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.”
Excellent organisation, pleasant weather, and the significance of the occasion for the Indian community combined to draw large crowds to the celebration. The diverse programme of events further enhanced attendance and reflected the UAE's commitment to fostering cross-cultural cooperation and coexistence.
The celebration showcased India's rich cultural diversity, including its unique arts, music, and folklore traditions. Highlighting a range of Indian talents, the event emphasised 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.
A select of leading Indian personalities were recognised 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.
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.
The visit by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to India in January 2017 marked a turning point in bilateral relations, culminating in a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement and 13 other agreements and MoUs.
Similarly, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi made his first visit to the UAE in August 2015, followed by 6 other visits, the latest of which was in February 2024.
In February 2022, UAE-India ties reached new heights with the launch of the Joint Vision Statement, where the two nations agreed to enhance their comprehensive strategic partnership, focusing on key areas such as the economy, culture, energy, climate action, renewable energy, technology and skills, food security and health, education, international cooperation, and defence and security.
