Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, attended a gathering called “Iran Fest” at the Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City Dubai.
The event honoured the Iranian community in the UAE and included diplomats, business people, and community leaders from both Emirati and Iranian backgrounds.
Cultural showcase
The event, organised by “Emirates Loves Iran” with support from Dubai Police, featured displays of Iranian arts, heritage, folklore, and cuisine. Visitors from many nationalities had the chance to learn more about Iran’s culture through performances, art exhibits, traditional music and dance, and culinary offerings.
Sheikh Nahyan spoke at the event saying: “It is my great pleasure to be with you this evening. The excitement and warmth we observe here tonight reflect our admiration in the UAE for the spirit and intelligence of the Iranian people, as well as for the beauty of their culture and traditions. We admire the fact that Iran represents one of the oldest and most prolific human civilisations.
“In that spirit, we gather today not only to celebrate, but to reaffirm the deep and enduring friendship between Iran and the United Arab Emirates – a friendship that is enriched by history, culture, and our countless bonds of family, commerce, and traditions.”
He also invited members of the Iranian community to take part in the UAE Writing Competition, under the theme “What the UAE Means to Me,” organised by the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence and Sandooq Al Watan. Submissions can be essays, poems or letters in Arabic or English via www.myuaestory.ae. The winners’ works will be published in Arabic and English and honoured at a national ceremony.
Community impact & ties
The event highlighted the role of the Iranian community in various sectors in the UAE including business, education, arts, and public life. It also stressed long-standing cultural and economic ties between Iran and the UAE, including trade, tourism, energy, agriculture, industry, finance, and entrepreneurship.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
