UAE Leader Congratulates Celebrants of Diwali Festival of Lights Worldwide

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan extended Diwali greetings to celebrants across the Emirates and worldwide, wishing them a happy year ahead and calling for global peace and prosperity. The message reflects the UAE's continued emphasis on religious tolerance and multicultural inclusion as it hosts one of the world's largest expatriate populations.

The President shared his congratulations through his official X account, saying he offers "sincere congratulations to those celebrating the Festival of Lights (Diwali) in the UAE and around the world, wishing them a happy year and all the peoples of the world peace, stability and prosperity."

This gesture carries particular weight in the UAE, where Hindu communities make up a significant portion of the expatriate workforce. Indians alone represent about 27% of the country's population, many of whom celebrate Diwali as their most important religious festival.

The timing aligns with the UAE's broader strategy of positioning itself as a global hub for diverse communities. The country has built its economic model around attracting international talent and investment, making religious and cultural inclusivity a practical necessity as much as a policy choice.

For businesses operating in the region, such official recognition of religious festivals signals continued government support for maintaining the multicultural environment that many companies depend on to attract global talent. The UAE's approach to religious tolerance has become a key differentiator in the Gulf region, where it competes with other nations for international investment and skilled workers.