Abu Dhabi Hosts Kerala Day Celebration Attended by Sheikh Nahyan and Kerala CM

The UAE and Kerala celebrated seven decades of partnership at a major cultural festival in Abu Dhabi, bringing together over 5,000 members of the Malayali community. The event highlighted how cultural diversity strengthens economic ties between nations and creates opportunities for deeper cooperation in trade, education, and technology.

Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE's Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, joined Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan at the "MALAYALOTSAVAM" celebration held at Abu Dhabi Golf Club. The gathering marked 70 years since Kerala's formation as a state in 1956.

The timing matters for both regions. Kerala has become one of India's most educated states, and the UAE continues building its knowledge economy. About 2.5 million Indians work in the UAE, with Malayalis forming a significant portion of this workforce across sectors like healthcare, education, and business.

Sheikh Nahyan praised the Malayali community's contributions to UAE society, calling them "an invaluable element in our community." He specifically mentioned businessman Yusuf Ali M.A., describing him as "a loyal son not only to Kerala but also to the UAE" for his role in strengthening economic and cultural ties.

The minister emphasized how diversity drives the UAE's strength. "The UAE's power comes from its diversity and the integration of skills and expertise of everyone who lives and works on its land," he said. This reflects the country's broader strategy of attracting global talent to support economic growth.

Kerala's success story adds weight to these partnerships. The state eliminated extreme poverty and achieved near-universal literacy rates. Chief Minister Vijayan highlighted these achievements while expressing interest in expanding cooperation in infrastructure, social care, and technology exchange.

The celebration showcased Kerala's agricultural and industrial progress through cultural performances and community programs. But the real focus was on future opportunities. Both sides discussed expanding partnerships in investment, healthcare, education, and technology sectors.

For businesses and investors, this relationship offers concrete benefits. Kerala's educated workforce matches well with UAE's need for skilled professionals. The state's experience in sustainable development could help UAE's green economy goals, while UAE's position as a regional hub opens markets for Kerala's products and services.

The event reflects a broader trend of regional states building direct relationships with Gulf countries. Kerala maintains active economic ties with several Gulf states, where large Indian communities work and send remittances home. These connections often translate into trade deals, investment flows, and technology transfers.

Both leaders stressed that cultural celebrations like this create platforms for dialogue and understanding. The annual Kerala Day (Kerala Piravi) falls on November 1st, but holding this major celebration in Abu Dhabi signals the importance both sides place on maintaining strong ties.