Over 15,000 Gather in Dubai to Celebrate Iraqi Heritage at Emirates Loves Iraq Event

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Event Overview

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The gathering saw UAE and Iraqi flags waved side by side as families, students and visitors from various nationalities explored installations inspired by Iraq’s historic landmarks, sampled traditional dishes and watched live performances that highlighted the country’s heritage. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, attended alongside Samer Salman Abed, acting consul‑general of Iraq in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, and diplomats and representatives from business, cultural and social sectors.

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Highlights and Activities

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Visitors walked through an entrance modelled on the historic Ishtar Gate and a recreation of Al Mutanabbi Street, one of Baghdad’s renowned literary hubs. Additional displays drew inspiration from the Malwiya Minaret of Samarra and traditional Iraqi architecture, while interactive photo zones showcased the cultural and architectural identities of Baghdad, Basra, Nineveh, Babylon, Najaf, Erbil and Sulaymaniyah. The programme featured traditional Iraqi food, an art exhibition, a children’s area with heritage‑inspired activities and performances by singers Rahma Riad and Mahmoud Al Turki, together with content creators Loay Sahi, Mina Al Shaikhly and Zainab Al Eqabi. The event also honoured Iraqi residents who have made notable contributions in medicine, academia, culture, the arts, architecture and business.

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Voices from Attendees

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Sheikh Nahyan welcomed the Iraqi community and stressed the close relationship between the two nations, saying, “We come together once again for the public celebration of the Iraqi community in the country, through which you express your love for the UAE and the UAE’s love for you, as well as your great pride in the close fraternal ties between our two brotherly nations.” He added, “Welcome, brothers and sisters, to this beloved country, whose journey is guided by coexistence, brotherhood, humanity, and a warm welcome to fellow Arabs and friends who live alongside us in peace and safety.”

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Rashed Al Tamimi, director of Emirates Loves, explained that the aim was to build on the success of the first edition and create a more inclusive experience for people of all ages and backgrounds, noting, “We wanted to create a journey for Iraqis to discover and relive their traditions, their culture, and reminisce on all the beautiful memories they have from their home country.” He emphasised that the celebration was also designed for non‑Iraqi visitors to discover Iraq through its culture and traditions, and added, “Relations between countries don’t thrive only on a political level, but also on a community level. Here, in this hall, you see diplomats, you see singers, you see people from the community, and children from school, all coming together to celebrate Iraq. This is a living proof that the UAE is home and it always welcomes and embraces all different nationalities and countries.”

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Social media influencer Zainab Al Eqabi, who has lived in the UAE for 26 years, said the event offered an opportunity to share Iraqi traditions and strengthen her appreciation for the country she considers her second home, adding, “It’s amazing because it also allows the younger generation to know more about their home country. It’s a great opportunity for us, altogether, to reshare our culture and celebrate it.” She welcomed UAE initiatives that bring different nationalities together, stating, “In the UAE, there are so many nationalities and it’s always beautiful to see how we definitely feel home. It’s home sweet home and home away from home. With these celebrations, you feel like you’re not a stranger at all.”

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Doctor Abdulla Ameen, resident of the UAE for more than 20 years, described the gathering as a chance to hear familiar sounds, see familiar faces and recall memories that connect him to his homeland, saying, “When we come together with all other Iraqis here in the UAE, it’s very nice, it’s a warm feeling. You feel like you are coming together with your family.” He stressed that such cultural gatherings help Iraqi expatriates maintain relationships with fellow citizens and keep memories of their homeland alive.

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Year 12 student Ritaj Al Makawi, who has lived in the UAE for four years, said the event gave her a lively introduction to Iraqi culture, remarking, “I feel so happy that I’m part of such an event. I love the food, I love how it was organised, I love the songs, the way they talk, the way they interact, everything. It’s such an amazing place.” She highlighted the importance of cultural events in helping people from different backgrounds understand Iraq and its traditions, noting, “Events like this is important to be celebrated because a lot of people will get to know the Iraqi culture, the Iraqi people, their food, and how their culture goes in real life.”

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Grade 9 student Islam Ajlan, who has lived in the UAE for a year, attended with his sister and nephew and said, “It’s very nice of the UAE and Emirates Loves to do this Iraq event for us and it really warms our hearts. I feel at home here.” He praised the UAE’s role as a hub for communities from around the world, adding, “I think the UAE is a hub for all the people as a whole. It’s good for peace and it brings us all together.”

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For the thousands who attended, Emirates Loves Iraq provided an opportunity to celebrate where they came from while sharing their traditions with the country they now call home.