Pakistan Association Dubai sets Guinness World Record with UAE flag made of 24,514 handprints
Over 100 nationalities join hands to honour the Emirates through art
DUBAI: In a powerful celebration of unity and inclusivity, Pakistan Association Dubai (PAD) has officially been recognised by Guinness World Records for creating the largest UAE flag using 24,514 individual handprints.
The artwork, reflecting the collective spirit of over 100 nationalities, was unveiled during a vibrant ceremony held today at the Pakistan Auditorium, PAD.
The event was attended by 250 guests, including Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Ambassador of Pakistan to the UAE, Consul General Hussain Muhammad, and senior community representatives from both Pakistan and the UAE.
A Guinness World Records adjudicator was present to confirm the feat, formally recognising it as a new world record.
The project was a joint collaboration between Pakistan Association Dubai, Emirates Loves, and artist Rubab Zahra, whose vision led the initiative.
The massive handprint flag is a tribute to the UAE Year of Community and serves as a colourful testament to the country’s values of tolerance, cohesion, and mutual respect.
Hands of Unity
The handprint flag was the centrepiece of PAD’s month-long Hands of Unity campaign, which engaged the Pakistani diaspora and wider UAE population in a mission of unity. More than 23 schools and universities, along with 39 activation sites across the Emirates, contributed to the effort.
The campaign encouraged individuals to leave their mark – literally – on the flag, with each handprint serving as a personal tribute to the UAE and a nod to the enduring bond between the country and its residents.
“This initiative by PAD is a wonderful tribute to the spirit of the UAE,” said Faisal Niaz Tirmizi. “The UAE has grown leaps and bounds over the years, becoming a beacon of tolerance and innovation.” He applauded the organisers and volunteers for bringing the idea to life in such a meaningful way.
Community at heart
The PAD President, Dr. Faisel Ikram, described the initiative as “a token of love and appreciation to the UAE – our second home.” He highlighted the association’s commitment to the UAE leadership’s vision and praised the volunteers who powered the campaign from start to finish. “PAD believes strongly in social cohesion, community development, and the power of volunteering. This record is a powerful example of what unity can achieve,” he stated.
The ceremony included a heartwarming video chronicling the journey of the Hands of Unity campaign. It showcased the thousands of hours of planning, painting, and outreach involved in bringing the project to life. Certificates of appreciation were presented to sponsors, partner organisations, and educational institutions that played a crucial role in the campaign’s success.
“This was a challenging but incredibly rewarding journey,” said Khalid Imtiaz, Joint Secretary of PAD. “From school visits to public spaces, the energy of the community fuelled every step. It’s been an honour to witness such dedication.”
With two million Pakistanis calling the UAE home, this initiative has become more than a record – it’s a legacy. The Hands of Unity now symbolises what communities can achieve when they rally around a shared purpose.