A proud milestone for Iranians as their culture shines on a grand stage in the UAE.
Dubai witnessed a historic moment as the first Iran Fest unfolded at the Dubai Exhibition Center (DEC), bringing together thousands of Iranian expatriates and culture enthusiasts for a vibrant showcase of music, art, and tradition.
The festival, titled Jashan Iran, echoed with the sounds of traditional drums and soulful Iranian melodies, featuring performances by acclaimed artists such as Homayoun Shajarian, Karzan Qasemi, and Ali Ghamsari. For many long-time residents, it was a proud and emotional occasion to see their heritage embraced so prominently in the UAE.
“It’s incredible to have our culture celebrated in such a grand way,” said Fatemah Ranjbar, who was born and raised in the Emirates. “To see Homayoun Shajarian perform for free at this event is such a gift to the Iranian community here.”
Strengthening Bonds Between Nations
The gathering was attended by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, who praised the event as a reflection of the UAE’s admiration for the Iranian people. He emphasized the centuries-old bonds of trade, family, and shared history that still bind both societies together, saying, “We reaffirm the deep and enduring friendship between Iran and the UAE.” His words were met with thunderous applause.
Iran’s Consul General in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, Alireza Mahmoudi, noted that nearly 800,000 Iranians live in the UAE, contributing to its progress long before unification. He described the festival as a platform to strengthen cultural and diplomatic ties between the two nations.
A Family Legacy on Display
Among the festival’s many highlights was a stall by Milan Couture, a business established 65 years ago by Abdul Aziz’s father. “I began by selling shoes, but over time, with my wife’s designs, we introduced abayas and kaftans inspired by Iranian prints,” Abdul Aziz explained. The family — Abdul Aziz, his wife Manizhe Moeini, and daughter Fatemah — welcomed visitors together, proudly representing their heritage. “We started in Naif Souq, then Murshid Bazaar, and now we’re in Hamriya. I have watched the UAE grow with my own eyes.”
Reviving Ancient Traditions
The festival also introduced audiences to Pahlavani, an ancient Iranian martial art involving the use of weighted wooden maces. Demonstrated by athletes from OS1 Fitness Center, the practice impressed spectators with its blend of strength, agility, and coordination. “This tradition was fading,” said Mona Dirbaz, founder of OS1. “We wanted to revive it and show how it can be a powerful full-body workout, even more effective than modern gym tools.”
Writing Competition for the Year of Community
In addition to music and performances, Sheikh Nahyan invited attendees to take part in the UAE Writing Competition, organised in collaboration with Sandooq Al Watan. The contest, under the theme ‘What the UAE Means to Me’, welcomes essays, poems, and letters in both Arabic and English, with winning entries to be published in a commemorative book. Winners will be honoured at a national ceremony later this year.
“This is an invitation to share your voice, your story, your journey,” Sheikh Nahyan told the crowd, encouraging participants to write about their experiences — whether it was celebrating Nowruz in Abu Dhabi or seeing Dubai’s skyline for the first time.
Source: khaleejtimes.com
