More than 50,000 attendees gathered at the Dubai Exhibition Centre in Expo City Dubai for the inaugural edition of the “Emirates Loves Palestine” community event. The massive turnout brought together members of the Palestinian community, Emirati citizens, and residents from across the UAE to celebrate Palestinian heritage and the deep-rooted connections between the two peoples.
The event was held in the presence of Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, and Abeer AlRamahi, the Ambassador of the State of Palestine to the UAE. It was organized through a partnership between the “Emirates Loves Palestine” initiative, the UAE-Palestinian Friendship Club, and the Palestinian Business Council in Dubai and the Northern Emirates.
Addressing the crowd, Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan described the occasion as the largest gathering of the Palestinian community globally. He stated, “It gives me great pleasure to be with you at this wonderful fraternal gathering, which clearly embodies the sincere feelings of affection that the United Arab Emirates holds for Palestine and its brotherly people.” He emphasized that the event serves as a message of pure support, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to tolerance, cultural openness, and providing a welcoming environment for all residents.
Reflecting on the historical relationship between the two nations, Sheikh Nahyan noted that the Palestinian community has long been an active, contributing part of the UAE’s development. He reaffirmed the UAE’s steadfast position, stating, “The UAE has always stood by you, and the UAE remains firmly committed to continuing its humanitarian efforts to support the Palestinian people, placing support for our brothers and the relief of their suffering at the forefront of its priorities.” He further highlighted the UAE’s role as a leading donor of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.
The celebration featured a vibrant program of music, songs, and traditional folk performances that showcased the richness of Palestinian culture. Renowned figures, including artist Mohammed Assaf and comedian Imad Farajin, participated in the festivities. Attendees were also able to explore various heritage displays, traditional food stalls, and crafts created by community members, alongside activities designed for families.
In a symbolic gesture of solidarity, the event coincided with a “Palestine Loves the UAE” gathering held in the Gaza Strip, organized in cooperation with Operation Chivalrous Knight 3 to celebrate the humanitarian ties between the two regions. This dual celebration underscored the mutual affection and shared values of peace and coexistence that define the relationship.
The organizers were commended by Sheikh Nahyan for their efforts in making the event a success. He extended his thanks to the Palestinian Embassy, the Emirati-Palestinian Friendship Club, and the Palestinian Business Council for their roles in fostering these community bonds. He expressed confidence that the event would serve as a new link in a continuous chain of meetings that strengthen the fraternal ties between the two nations.
A key highlight of the program was the recognition of several prominent Palestinian figures for their significant contributions to the community and their professional achievements. Among those honored were Dr. Nader Darwich, founder of the Knee & Sports Medicine Center and consultant orthopaedic surgeon; Qusay Mohamed Ahmed Al Ghusain, a businessman and board member of the Emirati-Palestinian Friendship Club; Dr. Abeer Ismail Mohamed Al-Najjar, professor of media and journalism at the American University of Sharjah; and Eng. Ahmad Adnan Zaki Saffarini, chairman of Saffarini Engineering.
The event concluded as a testament to the UAE’s approach to celebrating diversity and recognizing the contributions of the various communities living on its soil. By providing a platform for cultural expression, the gathering reinforced the social and human ties that continue to unite the Emirati and Palestinian peoples. The report also notes that fares Moh’d Said Mustafa Abubaker, Engineer – SEE Institute, Eng. The report also notes that contributed effectively to the march of development and progress across various sectors. The report also notes that fouad Abdulhadi Mohammed Mashal, CEO, Al Barakah International Investment Group, Salam Ezzat Hussein Abu Shihab, Journalist & Media Professional, Al Khaleej, and Farouk Khalil Hafez Toukan, Chairman, Target Jordan Palestine Securities.
Source: Gulf Today
