Dignitaries at the event.

A large number of community members from Pakistan residing in the UAE have attended and celebrate the 51st National Day of the UAE under the theme ‘We Stand Together’ at the Pakistan Association Dubai on Thursday evening.

The event was organised by PAD in its premises as the chief guest was the Ambassador of Pakistan to the UAE, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi. It was attended by senior dignitaries including the Consul General of Pakistan Hassan Afzaal Khan, CEO Community Development Authority (CDA), Dr Omar Al Muthanna besides a number of diplomats from the Philippines, Cuba, Ireland, Algeria, Nepal, Turkmenistan, Nigeria, Senegal, Romania, Panama, Belarus, Kyrgyz Republic, and Malaysia.  

Dr Omar Al Muthanna said, “The UAE is a beacon for many countries as well as one of the fastest growing economies in the region. We are appreciating the long-term relationship between the two countries of the UAE and Pakistan. The UAE was the first country to respond with massive aid relief for the recent flood victims of the people in different parts of Pakistan.

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“Amidst the growth of Dubai, PAD has been one of the most rapidly transforming associations in the past decade. Only in the last 11 months, more than 60 events have been organised by PAD in various domains including sports, education, language, health awareness and more,” he said.

The PAD officials had also acknowledged the support of the UAE Red Crescent and other organisations in the recent drive in which a large number of relief goods were sent to the flood-affected people in various areas of Pakistan. The campaign was supported by a large number of UAE-based companies through their contribution while a large number of students served as volunteers to help PAD officials dispatch the boxes carrying relief goods.  

Faisal Niaz Tirmizi recently assumed office and it was his first public meeting. “In the last one decade, I noticed tremendous development in the infrastructure but more importantly in the human capital as I met people in every government department as highly educated and professional,” he said.

He also asserted that the two countries with exemplary relationship should take more benefits from each other, especially Pakistan which has to work more in tourism and economic sectors to further strengthen relationship.

In his closing address, Tirmizi reiterated the significance of the UAE-Pakistan friendship which dates back to the UAE’s inception in 1971 and the common values shared between both nations. “Indeed, these are two countries with one soul. It is an honour to serve in this beautiful country for the second time.”

On behalf of the Pakistani community, PAD President Dr Faisel Ikram congratulated the people and residents of the UAE while addressing the celebrations, deeming the UAE as the number one destination in the world. He remarked, “The UAE is a land of peace, prosperity and endless possibilities. The amazing vision of the UAE leadership has brought communities together in a melting pot of cultures to build a society of tolerance and diversity.” Dr Ikram voiced his gratitude to the local authorities for their continuous support and also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to “solidify the important partnership we share with the UAE.”

However, during the event the PAD had awarded a token of acknowledgement to distinguished members of the Emirati community for their achievements. These individuals have also made remarkable contribution to strengthen the Pak-UAE alliance. Among the several high-achievers awarded were Former Director of Government Communications at Dubai Department of Economic Development, Mariam Al Afridi, Emirati video/content creator Khalid Al Ameri, renowned Urdu poet Zubair Farooq, and leading healthcare adviser Laila Al Jassmi. 

A group of schoolchildren also performed a UAE cultural show.