Dubai, UAE — Pakistani javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem made history at the 2024 Paris Olympics by securing Pakistan’s first-ever Olympic gold medal, marking a monumental achievement for both the nation’s sports legacy and its national pride. This triumph has resonated deeply with Pakistanis living in the UAE, where it coincided with the spirited Independence Day celebrations, amplifying the sense of national pride ahead of August 14th.
Nadeem’s victory, which broke a 100-year Olympic record, has been celebrated worldwide, with the Pakistani community in the UAE embracing it as a symbol of the country’s potential on the global stage. The timing of the win, just before the Independence Day festivities, added a layer of significance to the celebrations held at Dubai’s World Trade Centre on Sunday, where around 10,000 people gathered for a 12-hour cultural and musical extravaganza.
Mirza Khud, Founder of the Pakistani Riders Group (PRG), expressed the overwhelming pride felt by the community. “The 27-year-old has brought immense pride to our country. This achievement enhances our nation’s standing and feels like a breath of fresh air for every Pakistani,” Khud said. The group, consisting of 52 bikers, participated in the parade, showcasing their unity and strength while extending their congratulations to Nadeem.
The event, organized by the “Emirates Loves Pakistan” page in collaboration with the Pakistan Association Dubai, Dubai Police, and Dubai World Trade Centre, featured cultural performances, musical shows, and traditional activities that highlighted the rich heritage of the Pakistani community in the UAE. The celebration served as a powerful reminder of the strong and long-standing ties between the two countries.
Many attendees, including expatriates from Sharjah, began their day early to partake in what was dubbed the biggest Pakistani Independence Day celebration in Dubai’s history. Mudassar Nasir Abbassi, a UAE resident for ten years, attended with a group of 12 people, including family and friends. “This event is being held for the first time on such a big scale. It’s good exposure for our children, many of whom were born here and have barely known much about our home country,” Abbassi said.
Among the attendees was 11-year-old Rida Irfan, who wore a vibrant traditional outfit tailored at home to represent Pashtun culture. “We wanted to display the Pashtun culture today. This outfit has all the colors of Pakistan,” she proudly shared.
The event was also attended by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE’s Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, along with diplomats and prominent figures from the Pakistani community. Hussain Muhammad, Consul General of Pakistan to the UAE, addressed the attendees, emphasizing the resilience of the Pakistani people and the strong bond between the UAE and Pakistan. He lauded Nadeem’s Olympic achievement as a testament to Pakistan’s potential and determination.
“Let no one underestimate the will and resilience of the people of Pakistan,” Muhammad stated, as the crowd erupted in applause, honoring the athlete’s remarkable accomplishment.