Dubai hosts ‘Iran Fest’ to display cultural, community ties
Tens of thousands of Iranian expatriates packed Dubai’s Expo City on Saturday for the first ‘Iran Fest,’ a large-scale celebration of Iranian culture and its enduring friendship with the United Arab Emirates.
The festival, staged at the Dubai Exhibition Centre, offered a vivid showcase of traditional music, cuisine, arts, and handicrafts, reflecting the historical and social bonds linking the two nations, IRNA reported.
Organized by the social initiative Emirates Loves Iran in collaboration with the Dubai Police, the event went beyond entertainment to underscore the contributions of the Iranian community in the UAE.
Attendees experienced live performances by acclaimed Iranian artists including Homayoun Shajarian, and Ali Ghamsari, alongside exhibitions of Iranian arts, cooking demonstrations, and displays of traditional handicrafts. Children, families, professionals, and people of determination all joined, emphasizing the community’s integral role in the UAE’s multicultural fabric.
“This evening, we are reminded that Iran and the UAE are not just neighbors across the waters of the Persian Gulf – we are companions in a long, shared journey across history,” said Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence.
“For centuries, our peoples have traded, shared stories, interwoven families, and worked together to foster peace, stability, and security. This gathering proves that our friendship is strong and continues to thrive.”
Alireza Mahmoudi, the newly appointed Consul General of Iran in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, marked his first public appearance at the festival.
He highlighted the historical presence of Iranians in the UAE, noting that the community, once estimated at 500,000, now numbers around 800,000.
Mahmoudi described the UAE as a “second home” for Iranians and praised Emirati leaders for their support in fostering integration and mutual understanding.
The festival also offered a platform for Iranian entrepreneurs and businesses, including visitors flown in from Iran, to display products ranging from ethnic clothing to culinary specialties.
Food and cultural experiences played a central role in the event. Visitors sampled Iranian spices, kebabs, and other traditional dishes while engaging with martial arts demonstrations from Dubai’s first Pahlavani studio. The tear-shaped wooden clubs and synchronized performances attracted significant attention, adding an interactive layer to the cultural showcase.
Rashed Al Tamimi, director of Emirates Loves Iran, described the festival as “a message of love and appreciation” and a reflection of the UAE leadership’s vision for an inclusive society. “Today, we are shedding light on inspiring stories and sharing them with the world, demonstrating how love and diversity can be foundations for progress and stability. To the Iranian community, we say you are not guests. You are partners in this homeland.”
The event also highlighted opportunities for tourism and economic collaboration between the UAE and Iran. Both countries have long-standing ties in sectors such as trade, energy, industry, aviation, and entrepreneurship. Cultural events like Iran Fest reinforce these connections, showcasing the potential for collaboration in tourism, while promoting mutual understanding and people-to-people engagement.
For many attendees, the festival was both a cultural and emotional experience. Yusuf Astaraki, who has lived in Dubai for 25 years, said, “We have a thriving Iranian community here. We can enjoy everything from home, from our food to our culture, and still be part of an international society.” Mostafa Moradi, a recent arrival from Iran, echoed the sentiment, expressing gratitude for the peace and prosperity he found in the UAE.