Pakistan’s biggest Independence Day celebration returns to Dubai for 79th edition
Expo City to welcome thousands for day-long community festival
DUBAI – One of the UAE's biggest celebrations of Pakistani culture is set to return to Dubai next month, as organisers announce the 79th edition of Jashn-e-Azaadi Pakistan at Expo City Dubai.
The annual festival will once again bring together thousands of members of the Pakistani community and visitors from across the Emirates for a full day of live entertainment, cultural experiences and family activities. Entry to the event will be free, with organisers encouraging visitors to register in advance.
Organised by Emirates Loves Pakistan in collaboration with the Pakistan Association Dubai (PAD), the celebration will take place on Sunday, August 9, at the Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City Dubai, with activities beginning at 11am across the South Halls.
What's planned?
The festival promises a full day of music, culture, food and entertainment, offering visitors an opportunity to celebrate Pakistan's 79th Independence Day in one of the country's largest overseas community gatherings.
Families can expect live performances, cultural showcases, authentic Pakistani cuisine, interactive attractions and entertainment throughout the day. The event is open to all nationalities, reflecting the multicultural spirit of the UAE while celebrating Pakistan's heritage.
Organisers have once again invited residents to secure their free entry by registering ahead of the event through the official Emirates Loves Pakistan platform.
Jashn-e-Azaadi Pakistan
The 2026 edition marks the third consecutive year that the event has been presented as the largest gathering of Pakistanis in the UAE under the Emirates Loves Pakistan initiative.
The festival has rapidly grown into one of Dubai's flagship community celebrations. Last year's edition drew more than 60,000 registered visitors to the Dubai Exhibition Centre, significantly surpassing attendance figures from previous years after the event moved to the larger Expo City venue.
The 2025 celebration featured senior UAE and Pakistani officials, including Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, alongside the then-Pakistan's Ambassador to the UAE, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi. The programme also included performances by leading Pakistani artists, cultural exhibitions, traditional food stalls and community recognition awards, highlighting the close ties between Pakistan and the UAE.
The organisers say the venue will once again transform into a showcase of Pakistani culture, bringing together music, food, traditions and family-friendly entertainment under one roof. Visitors are encouraged to register early, with entry remaining free for everyone.
As preparations continue, Emirates Loves Pakistan and the Pakistan Association Dubai are inviting residents across the UAE to join what is expected to be another landmark Independence Day celebration, continuing a tradition that has grown into one of the region's largest annual gatherings of the Pakistani community.