“Emirates Loves Palestine” draws over 50,000 at Expo City Dubai
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More than 50,000 people from the Palestinian community, Emiratis and other UAE residents gathered on Saturday, for the first edition of the “Emirates Loves Palestine” event at Dubai Exhibition Centre in Expo City Dubai.
The day-long celebration of Palestinian culture, heritage and community success stories took place in the presence of Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, and Abeer AlRamahi, Ambassador of the State of Palestine to the UAE.
Organised by the “Emirates Loves Palestine” page in partnership with the UAE-Palestinian Friendship Club and the Palestinian Business Council in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, the event formed part of the wider “Emirates Loves” series that highlights resident communities.
Palestinian and UAE flags flew above crowds wearing kufiyas as families enjoyed traditional food, crafts, heritage displays and performances.
Sheikh Nahyan described the gathering as “the largest gathering of the Palestinian community in the world” and said it “clearly embodies the sincere feelings of affection that the United Arab Emirates holds for Palestine and its brotherly people.”
He added: “In this gathering, which expresses the UAE’s love for Palestine, we send together a message of pure support and affection,” while noting the UAE’s humanitarian support for Palestinians, including its role as a donor of aid to Gaza.
Ambassador Abeer AlRamahi called it “a very important event, a thank you message of Emirates to Palestine and its people.” She said: “We are so thankful for this big event. It reflects the huge community of Palestinians on this land. We are so grateful for Emirates to celebrate the Palestinian heritage and culture.”
The programme featured songs, music, folk performances and comedy, with artists including Mohammed Assaf and comedian Imad Farajin.
Visitors explored traditional Palestinian cuisine, crafts, home-based projects and success stories of community members, while several prominent figures were honoured for their contributions.
