Sheikh Nahyan joins 15,000 at Expo Dubai to honour Iraqi heritage
UAE-Iraq relations strengthened through trade, culture and shared history
DUBAI – Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, attended a major public celebration of Iraqi cultural heritage at Expo City Dubai, alongside Dr Muzafar Mustafa Al Jabouri, Ambassador of Iraq to the UAE, diplomats, and leading figures from the community.
The event, hosted at the Dubai Exhibition Centre, drew a vibrant turnout of more than 15,000 people, predominantly from the Iraqi community.
Organised by the social platform Emirates Loves Iraq, the celebration showcased the history, arts, and traditions of Iraq, offering visitors of all backgrounds the opportunity to discover the nation’s cultural legacy. The gathering underscored the deep-rooted historical and cultural bonds between the UAE and Iraq, while also reinforcing the spirit of tolerance, coexistence, and fraternity that defines life in the Emirates.
Cultural celebration
In his keynote address, Sheikh Nahyan praised Iraq’s rich contribution to world civilisation and emphasised the UAE’s leadership under President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. He noted that culture and heritage remain cornerstones of national identity and vital foundations for strengthening regional unity.
“The UAE’s leadership is committed to supporting Iraq’s progress towards achieving its national aspirations,” Sheikh Nahyan stated, adding that bilateral relations serve as a model for successful Arab partnership and cooperation.
He also highlighted the Iraqi community’s contributions to the UAE’s development and called on them to share their stories in the “Our Life in the UAE” writing competition, organised by the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence in collaboration with the National Fund, as part of the Year of the Community.
Honouring excellence
The evening included honours for distinguished Iraqi figures who have left their mark in fields ranging from education and literature to engineering and the arts. Among those recognised were Dr Ahmed Al-Kubaisi, Dr Muthanna Abdul Razzaq Al Jabouri, Professor Ali Jaafar Al Alak, Dr Reem Tarek Al Mutawalli, Dr Moayad Al-Shaybani, Dr Jamal Saleh Hassan, Engineer Sinan Al-Ousi, Dr Humaid Majoul Al Nuaimi, Ruqayya Hassan, Dr Suham Jargis, and the late poet Kareem Al-Iraqi, whose daughter Dhefaf Kareem Al-Iraqi accepted the award on his behalf.
Visitors enjoyed a diverse programme of cultural performances, including traditional music and folk dances, alongside art exhibitions and a culinary space dedicated to Iraqi cuisine. Designed as a family-friendly festival, the event reflected Expo City Dubai’s advanced facilities, providing ease of access and a festive atmosphere.
UAE-Iraq ties
The UAE and Iraq share a long-standing relationship anchored in common culture, language, and mutual aspirations. Today, this bond extends beyond heritage into economic partnership and investment. The UAE is home to one of the largest Iraqi expatriate communities in the region, who consider the Emirates a second home and contribute actively to its growth.
Economic ties continue to flourish. The UAE ranks as one of Iraq’s top trading partners, with bilateral engagement gaining momentum through initiatives such as the UAE-Iraq Business Forum, held in Dubai in May. The forum hosted representatives from over 170 companies, with more than 250 meetings spanning diverse sectors. In the first half of 2024, UAE non-oil exports to Iraq rose by 41 percent compared to the same period in 2023, nearly quadrupling in value and positioning Iraq as the top destination for UAE exports.