Nahyan attends anniversary celebration of ‘Kalayaan 2025’

Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, attended a major celebration marking the 127th anniversary of Philippine independence “Kalayaan 2025.”

The event, hosted at Dubai World Trade Centre and organised by the “Emirates Loves Philippines” platform in collaboration with Dubai Police, brought together over 40,000 members of the Filipino community in the UAE, along with government officials, diplomats, and social and economic figures from the community.

In his opening speech, Sheikh Nahyan congratulated the Filipino community on this important national day, and said: “I am delighted to be with you this evening to celebrate the 127th Anniversary of Philippine Independence.”

“On behalf of the people of the United Arab Emirates, I extend our heartfelt congratulations and warmest greetings to the people of the Philippines here and around the world. This day marks not only your independence, but your enduring spirit of resilience, community, and optimism. It is a day of pride, and one you have every reason to celebrate,” the Minister said.

He added that the UAE is pleased to call the Philippines a close friend and valued partner. Across this nation, and across the decades, hundreds of thousands of Filipino people have made their mark.

Your knowledge, skills, creativity, and compassion have enriched many sectors of our society – from healthcare and education to hospitality, finance, entrepreneurship, and the arts.

Sheikh Nahyan emphasised that although our two countries may be separated by geography, we are united by shared values: openness, optimism, mutual respect, and a belief in the dignity of every individual.

He noted that the UAE’s success story is a shared story.

“We are a global crossroads. A place where more than 200 nationalities live and work side by side. A place where peace and prosperity are made possible by welcoming people from every walk of life.”

He affirmed that under the visionary leadership of His Highness the President, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and with the unwavering support of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, and of all of our national leaders, the country has embraced human fraternity, coexistence, compassion, and achievement as national pillars.

“This celebration today,” the Minister stated, “is a reflection of that vision. It is a reflection of how the UAE honours every culture and every heritage that we host in our country, as well as the role that each community plays in building this great nation.”

He went on to say, “In that spirit of inclusion, unity, and celebration, I would like to share with you a new national initiative that is very close to my heart.”

Announcing the initiative, Sheikh Nahyan said that as Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, and in partnership with Sandooq Al Watan, a writing competition titled “What the UAE Means to Me” has been launched.

He clarified that this initiative, aligned with the Year of Community, is a call to every resident – young and old, citizens and expatriates, professionals and students – to share their story and their voice.

“This competition,” he explained, “invites participants to reflect on what the UAE has meant to them. Submissions can be a short story, a poem, a letter, an essay, or another creative expression, and written in either Arabic or English.”

He expressed confidence that many of the most moving and powerful entries will come from the Filipino community – from those who arrived with a dream and built a future, from mothers and fathers raising families, from nurses and teachers, from innovators and caregivers, and from artists and engineers.

“Your stories matter,” the Minister emphasised, “and the rest of us would love to hear from you.”

He urged everyone to visit the website www.myuaestory.ae and submit their entries.

He called on the audience, saying, “Please encourage your families, your children, your co-workers, and your neighbours. Invite them to put into words their experience of life in the UAE. Let your stories inspire others, and let your words help express what makes our country so uniquely united in diversity.”