Dubai: Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, and Dr. El Amin Gafar Ahmed Taha, Head of the Sudanese Community in the UAE, attended the Sudan Festival today at Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City Dubai. The event drew more than 25,000 visitors, including families and individuals from the Sudanese community and other nationalities residing in the UAE.
According to Emirates News Agency, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak highlighted the enduring friendship between Sudan and the UAE. He emphasized the shared values and principles that unite the two countries and their commitment to building a better future. He praised the Sudanese community for their contributions and described them as a living bridge between the nations, enhancing the presence of the Arab world on the global stage.
Sheikh Nahyan noted that the festival is a tribute to the UAE and reflects the love and respect the Sudanese community holds for the country. He reiterated the UAE's dedication to peace, stability, and development in the region and beyond.
Dr. El Amin Gafar Ahmed Taha expressed gratitude towards the UAE leadership for supporting the Sudanese community and fostering an environment of tolerance and coexistence. He stated that the festival successfully showcased Sudan's culture, arts, and heritage while reinforcing the community's role in the UAE's cultural landscape.
Distinguished Sudanese figures were honoured by Sheikh Nahyan for their significant contributions to public life in the UAE. The honourees included Engineer Elsoni Banaga, Saleh Farah, Dr. Abubakar Abdulla Omer, Engineer Mukhtar Makki Mohammed Fadl, Mustafa Mohamed Alamin Mustafa, Al Mahi Abdullah Al Mahi Al Nayer, and Sudanese Clubs and Centers across the UAE.
Organised by Sudanese clubs and community centres in partnership with the "Emirates Loves Sudan" platform, the festival offered cultural, heritage, and artistic activities. Visitors experienced Sudanese life, folk arts, and traditions in a festive atmosphere, with performances by artists like Insaf Madani, Mohamed Bashir, Yousif Al Barbari, and Dr. Omar Al Amin.
The festival included heritage displays, traditional attire, handicrafts, and an exhibition of home-based projects. A popular food area offered traditional Sudanese dishes, while stand-up comedy and family entertainment created an atmosphere of warmth and togetherness.
The Sudan Festival follows events like "UAE in the Heart of Sudan" and the "Gate of Sudan" festival, further establishing a cultural platform that celebrates Sudanese heritage and strengthens ties between the two nations.
