Expo City Draws Massive Crowds for Pakistan's Independence Day

Expo City Dubai turned into a sea of green and white on Sunday as tens of thousands of Pakistanis from across the UAE gathered to mark their nation’s 78th Independence Day in what organisers call the biggest celebration of its kind in the world.

Crowds travelled from Abu Dhabi to the Northern Emirates, flocking to the Dubai Exhibition Centre for the day-long festivities. The program — set to run until midnight — features a star-studded lineup including Pakistani music icon Sahir Ali Bagga, acclaimed Sufi rock singer Natasha Baig, and celebrated storyteller Yousuf Bashir Qureshi.

Adding to the vibrant atmosphere are folk performances, cultural exhibitions, art displays, and traditional food stalls, showcasing Pakistan’s rich heritage and the enduring friendship between Pakistan and the UAE.

A Record-Breaking Celebration

“This will be the biggest Pakistan Independence Day celebration in the world,” said Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Pakistan’s Envoy to the UAE. “Over 60,000 people have already registered to participate in this mega event. Artists, performers, and singers from Pakistan, representing all four provinces along with Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir, will showcase Pakistan’s diverse cultural heritage through music, dance, cuisine, and traditional attire.”

Last year’s event at Dubai World Trade Centre drew 15,000 attendees, prompting organisers to move to a much larger venue this year to accommodate the overwhelming interest.

Organisers & Support

The celebration is spearheaded by Emirates Loves Pakistan, a platform dedicated to highlighting the success stories of the Pakistani community in the UAE, in collaboration with the Pakistan Association Dubai (PAD) and with support from Dubai Police.

To ensure smooth logistics, hundreds of volunteers are on-site, managing crowd flow, directing visitors to designated parking areas, and assisting those arriving via public transport.

A Community United

Hussain Muhammad, Consul General of Pakistan in Dubai, praised the organisers for their efforts and acknowledged the 1.7 million-strong Pakistani diaspora in the UAE for their contributions to the nation’s growth. He also urged the community to “continue observing local laws, respecting the norms and policies of the host country.”

With music, food, and cultural pride filling the air, the event stands as a testament to the deep-rooted ties between Pakistan and the UAE, while giving the younger generation a reason to celebrate their heritage in style.