UAE’s First Iran Fest Draws Thousands for Music and Heritage Celebration

A Colorful Celebration of Iranian Culture

The Dubai Exhibition Center was alive with the sounds of traditional Iranian music and the rhythms of drums as thousands of Iranians in the UAE gathered to celebrate their rich culture during the inaugural Iran Fest. The event showcased prominent artists, including Homayoun Shajarian, Karzan Qasemi, and Ali Ghamsari, who filled the stage with melodious performances that resonated with attendees.

For many long-time residents, this gathering held profound significance. Fatemah Ranjbar, who has spent her life in the UAE, expressed her pride, saying, “It feels great to see our culture being celebrated in such a beautiful and large-scale way.” The participation of internationally recognized singer Homayoun Shajarian at this free public event was particularly celebrated.

Organized by Community Leaders

The Iran Fest was organized by a social media initiative dedicated to highlighting the contributions of the Iranian community in the UAE, in partnership with local authorities. Attendees had the opportunity to explore a variety of displays, including traditional art, handicrafts, and Iranian cuisine, showcasing the vibrant cultural heritage of Iran.

Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, addressed the crowd, emphasizing the deep-rooted friendship between Iran and the UAE. His remarks were met with enthusiastic applause: “We reaffirm the deep and enduring friendship between Iran and the UAE,” he stated, reflecting on the historic and ongoing connections between the two nations.

A Family Affair in Business

For Abdul Aziz, the event was not just about music, but also about family and tradition. He set up a stall for his established business, Milan Couture, which has been a part of the UAE’s fabric for 65 years. “This is the first time we have had such a huge Iranian gathering to celebrate our music and culture,” he remarked. He has been involved in the family business for nearly six decades, transitioning from selling shoes to offering traditional abayas designed by his wife.

Abdul Aziz noted, “Our first shop was in Naif Souq, then we moved to Murshid Bazaar, and now we are located in Hamriya.” His journey is emblematic of the growth and development witnessed in the UAE over the decades.

A Significant Community Presence

According to the Iranian Consul General in Dubai, there are nearly 800,000 Iranians residing in the UAE, underlining the importance of events like the Iran Fest for building community relations. The Consul General explained that “Iranians have been living here since before the unification and contributing to the growth of this country.” His mission is clear: to further strengthen the ties between Iran and the UAE.

Showcasing Traditional Martial Arts

The festival featured a synchronized performance of Pahlavani, Iran’s traditional martial arts, adding a unique dimension to the cultural experience. This ancient form of combat, involving the use of a weighted wooden mace, is now being taught at fitness centers in the UAE. Mona Dirbaz, the owner of one such center, described the ancient practice as beneficial for both exercise and cultural preservation.

“The mace offers a full workout to your shoulder and strengthens every muscle,” Dirbaz stated, emphasizing its advantages over conventional weight training. The revival of Pahlavani highlights a growing interest in maintaining cultural traditions while promoting fitness.

Engaging Through Writing

During his speech, Sheikh Nahyan also encouraged festival attendees to partake in the UAE Writing Competition, aimed at sharing personal experiences and stories relevant to the theme ‘What the UAE Means to Me.’ He stated that this initiative is part of a larger effort to foster community engagement under the Year of Community.

Entrants are invited to submit essays, poems, or letters in Arabic or English. The winning submissions will be compiled into a commemorative book series and recognized in an official ceremony, underscoring the event’s commitment to celebrating the narratives and contributions of individuals within the community.

Published on 1766427187 • Category: 文化