Watch: Sahir Ali Bagga ignites Pakistan Independence Day celebrations in Dubai
This celebration marks Dubai’s biggest Pakistan Independence Day event
DUBAI: Pakistani music maestro Sahir Ali Bagga took centre stage at Dubai Exhibition Centre in Expo City Dubai on Sunday, delivering a stirring performance that electrified over 60,000 attendees at the largest Pakistan Independence Day celebration in the Emirate.
The renowned singer, composer, and music director’s live set was a highlight of a day-long cultural extravaganza marking Pakistan’s 78th Independence Day.
The event, featuring music, dance, traditional attire, and authentic cuisine, brought together Pakistanis of all ages – from infants to octogenarians – uniting them in patriotic fervour. Sahir Ali Bagga’s powerful voice and dynamic stage presence resonated deeply, reflecting the rich musical heritage and resilience of Pakistan.
Who is Sahir Ali Bagga?
Born in Lahore in 1980 into a musical family, Sahir Ali Bagga has earned acclaim through his compositions for Coke Studio Pakistan and Pakistani films like Zinda Bhaag and Azaadi.
His performance at the Dubai event included patriotic and cultural songs that united the crowd and celebrated Pakistan’s spirit with passion and depth.
Dubai’s biggest Pakistan Independence Day
Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UAE, underscored the scale of the event: “Over 60,000 people have already registered to participate in this mega event.”
This figure dwarfed last year’s attendance of 15,000 and led organisers to shift to the expansive Expo City venue.
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, praised the Pakistani community for their contribution to the UAE’s prosperity and called the relationship between the two countries “a blueprint for brotherly relations.”
The celebration also featured performances by Natasha Baig and storyteller Yousuf Bashir Qureshi, continuing the atmosphere of cultural pride and togetherness well into the evening.
Performers from all four provinces, along with Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, showcased Pakistan’s diverse culture through music, dance, cuisine, and attire.