Emirati Leader Celebrates Iraqi Expats' Cultural Heritage at Vibrant Community Event

The UAE hosted a massive cultural celebration for its Iraqi community, drawing over 15,000 attendees to Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City. The event highlighted the deep ties between the two nations while showcasing Iraq's rich cultural heritage to a diverse audience.

Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, attended alongside Iraq's Ambassador Dr. Muzaffar Mustafa Al-Jubouri and prominent community leaders. The celebration, organized by the "UAE Loves Iraq" initiative, featured traditional music, folk dances, handicrafts, heritage cuisine, and children's activities.

"Here we are today, coming together on the love of the UAE for Iraq, and Iraq's love for the UAE," Sheikh Nahyan said in his opening remarks. He praised Iraq as the land of Mesopotamia, birthplace of ancient civilizations like Sumer, Babylon, and Assyria, and home to some of humanity's earliest legal codes under Hammurabi.

The minister emphasized how Iraq's historical significance extends far beyond its borders. Baghdad once served as a global capital during the Abbasid era, and the country remains a center for poetry, arts, and culture. He noted that the UAE even has a date palm garden in Al Ain called "Basra Garden" in honor of Iraq's famous city.

The event served multiple purposes beyond cultural celebration. Sheikh Nahyan announced a writing competition called "Our Life in the UAE," encouraging Iraqi residents to share their experiences living in the country. This initiative aligns with the UAE's Year of Community celebrations and reinforces the nation's commitment to inclusion.

Several prominent Iraqi figures received recognition during the ceremony. These included Islamic scholar Dr. Ahmed Al-Kubaisi, American University of the Emirates President Dr. Muthanna Abdul Razzaq Al-Jubouri, poet Dr. Ali Jafar Al-Allaq, and Dr. Reem Tariq Al-Mutawalli, founder of the "Zay" initiative for preserving Arab traditional clothing.

The celebration reflects broader economic and diplomatic trends. UAE-Iraq trade relationships have strengthened significantly, with bilateral trade jumping 41% recently. Iraq became the top destination for UAE non-oil exports in the first half of 2024, receiving nearly four times the volume compared to the same period in 2023.

Over 170 companies from both countries participated in the second UAE-Iraq Business Forum in May, conducting more than 250 bilateral meetings across sectors including real estate, construction, tourism, renewable energy, and healthcare.

The UAE hosts a substantial Iraqi community whose members contribute significantly to the country's development across various sectors. This demographic represents part of the UAE's broader approach to cultural diversity and economic partnership.

The event's success demonstrates how cultural celebrations can strengthen diplomatic and economic relationships. By providing a platform for cultural expression, the UAE reinforces its position as a regional hub that values diversity while building practical partnerships.

Both nations share common language, culture, and historical experiences that form the foundation of their relationship. The celebration highlighted these connections while looking toward future cooperation in investment, trade, and cultural exchange.