Watch: Dubai Metro hours extended for Pakistan Independence Day celebration
Over 60,000 expected at Expo City on August 10
DUBAI’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will keep the Dubai Metro operating until 2am on Monday, 11 August, to accommodate the large crowds expected for the Emirates Loves Pakistan celebration at Expo City Dubai on Sunday, 10 August 2025.
The extension, an hour beyond the usual midnight closing, is part of a package of measures aimed at ensuring smooth transport for attendees.
RTA has also confirmed the deployment of a large taxi fleet around the venue to provide additional travel options for visitors.
ضمن سعيها الدائم لتحقيق تجربة تنقل سلسة وسهلة لجميع سكان وزوار دبي، تنفذ #هيئة_الطرق_و_المواصلات مجموعة من الإجراءات لتسهيل تجربة التنقل خلال فعالية "الإمارات تحب باكستان"، التي تقام في مدينة إكسبو دبي، يوم الأحد 10 أغسطس، حيث ستوفر خيارات متكاملة من وسائل #المواصلات_العامة لضمان… pic.twitter.com/e7CBj8A7L2
— RTA (@rta_dubai) August 8, 2025
Pakistan Independence Day event
The Emirates Loves Pakistan festival will mark Pakistan’s 78th Independence Day, with more than 60,000 people expected to gather at Expo City Dubai’s South Halls 1, 2 and 3 from 11am to 11pm.
Organised by Emirates Loves Pakistan in partnership with the Pakistan Association Dubai, and supported by Dubai Police, the event will showcase Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage, from traditional arts and crafts to music, folklore, and food.
Notable attendees include Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, and Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UAE. Community leaders, diplomats, and business representatives from both nations will also be present.
Celebrities’ line-up
The event promises an array of cultural experiences. Visitors can enjoy live musical performances from stars such as Sahir Ali Bagga and Natasha Baig, as well as poetry and storytelling sessions. Folk music troupes will perform regional favourites, while a dedicated children’s activity area will keep younger visitors entertained.
A specially curated food court will serve authentic Pakistani cuisine, and a marketplace will feature local artisans and small businesses. An art exhibition will display works celebrating Pakistan’s heritage and its contributions to the UAE.
Entry is free for all nationalities, with pre-registration encouraged via the official event website. The Dubai Metro’s direct connection to Expo City makes it a convenient travel choice, especially with the extended late-night hours. Shuttle buses will also operate from the Expo parking areas to the event halls.
Pakistan in UAE
The celebration reflects the longstanding diplomatic and cultural ties between the UAE and Pakistan, which began when the UAE was formed in 1971. Over the decades, both countries have developed strategic partnerships, with UAE investments in Pakistan exceeding $10 billion in sectors including IT, real estate, oil and gas, telecommunications, and tourism.
For the UAE’s 1.7 million-strong Pakistani community, the event is both a cultural showcase and a moment of national pride. It also offers residents from all backgrounds a chance to experience Pakistan’s traditions, reinforcing the multicultural spirit that defines Dubai.