Dubai glitters green as Pakistan celebrates National Day in UAE
Minister Ahsan Iqbal unveils vision for $1 trillion economy
DUBAI: The Consulate General of Pakistan in Dubai celebrated Pakistan’s National Day with traditional zeal at a high-profile reception attended by senior Emirati officials, diplomats, and members of the Pakistani community yesterday.
The event underscored the enduring cultural and economic ties between the two nations, with colourful performances and powerful speeches echoing shared history and mutual aspirations.
Khalid Muhammad Al-Kaabi of the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dubai Office, served as the Chief Guest. A moving performance by schoolchildren clad in traditional Pakistani and Emirati dress was the evening’s opening highlight, with the national anthems of both countries played in harmony. The vibrant display symbolised the unity and cooperation that continues to grow between Pakistan and the UAE.
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— Pakistan Embassy UAE (@PakinUAE_) April 30, 2025
Among the key dignitaries were Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, and Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UAE, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi.
Pakistan Day celebrations
In his keynote address, Minister Ahsan Iqbal commemorated 23 March 1940, the date of the Pakistan Resolution which laid the groundwork for the country’s independence. He detailed Pakistan’s future trajectory under the “Urran Pakistan” initiative – a development roadmap designed to position Pakistan as a Dh3.67 trillion ($1 trillion) economy by 2035. He spotlighted Pakistan’s youth, strategic geography, and economic potential, citing reforms aimed at enhancing trade, technology, and regional connectivity.
Iqbal also invited investors to explore opportunities in emerging sectors such as IT, clean energy, and logistics, framing Pakistan as a rising force in regional development. He highlighted the country's readiness for global partnerships, driven by a reform-oriented leadership.
Tribute to UAE’s Founding Father
Consul General Hussain Muhammad reinforced the symbolic significance of the Pakistan Resolution, describing it as the cornerstone of a progressive, diverse and resilient nation. He welcomed international partners to engage with Pakistan’s promising sectors, including agriculture, mineral extraction, and tourism.
The Consul General also paid tribute to the UAE’s founding father, His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, crediting his visionary leadership for the flourishing bilateral relationship. Emphasising the crucial role of the Pakistani community – over 1.7 million strong in the UAE – he acknowledged their contributions to both nations and thanked the UAE for its enduring support and friendship.
Cultural tributes
Adding a personal and cultural dimension to the evening, the Consulate presented the recently released book “Sheikh Zayed: The Builder of the Nation”, authored by Khan Zaman Saroor. A respected member of the Pakistani diaspora, Saroor’s work offers a poignant tribute to the legacy of Sheikh Zayed, capturing his vision and nation-building journey.
Guests were also treated to a rare video montage of archival photographs that chronicled pivotal moments in Pakistan-UAE relations from the 1960s to present day. The nostalgic visuals portrayed decades of diplomatic, economic, and cultural collaboration between the two brotherly nations.
The reception concluded with a strong sense of camaraderie and mutual respect, marking yet another chapter in the shared history of Pakistan and the UAE.