Historic Iran Fest Draws Thousands to Dubai Cultural Celebration
Tens of thousands of Iranian expatriates came together in Dubai for a groundbreaking event. The UAE’s first Iran fest drew massive crowds to celebrate their music and heritage. Dubai’s Expo City Exhibition Center buzzed with energy as diplomats, business leaders, and key figures from the Iranian community joined this historic cultural festival.
The Dubai event, ‘Iran Fest,’ showcased an array of Iranian heritage with captivating cultural performances and exhibitions. The ‘Emirates Loves Iran’ initiative and Dubai Police’s collaboration made this celebration possible, highlighting UAE-Iran’s deep connections that span generations. Iranian residents who have made the UAE their home over decades saw this event as recognition of their cultural impact on the emirates.
Sheik Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, attended the landmark gathering with Iran’s Consul General in Dubai, Alireza Mahmoudi. The UAE houses nearly 800,000 Iranians, which makes this cultural exchange meaningful for both countries. “This event is very important for both Iranians and Emiratis because there is a very long and fruitful relationship between both countries,” the Consul General said, emphasizing the celebration’s role in strengthening shared history and mutual respect.
Iran Fest Showcases Rich Cultural Heritage in Dubai
Image Source: Tehran Offers
The Dubai Exhibition Center buzzed with energy as Iranian cultural heritage took the spotlight. Traditional Persian music and rhythmic drumbeats echoed through the halls while colorful performances engaged visitors across the venue.
Traditional music and dance performances draw large crowds
Star performers Homayoun Shajarian, Karzan Qasmi, and Ali Ghamsari delivered magical shows that deeply appealed to the audience. Their unique blend of folk melodies and modern rhythms transported visitors to ancient Persia with mesmerizing tunes and beats. Many Iranian expatriates who had made UAE their home felt powerful emotions and pride in their heritage.
Iranian cuisine, handicrafts, and martial arts on display
The festival brought Iranian culture to life through multiple experiences:
- Food stalls served authentic Iranian spices, kebabs, and traditional dishes
- Art exhibitions displayed works by Iranian artists
- Traditional handicrafts and ethnic clothing filled the displays
Dubai’s first and only Pahlavani studio stole the show. The martial arts experts amazed crowds with synchronized movements using the Persian “meel” — tear-shaped traditional wooden clubs. “It is a very ancient form of combat that Iranian warriors used to practice,” explained Mona Dirbaz, OS1’s owner. She pointed out that the wooden mace works better for shoulder training than regular weights.
Festival Dubai venue transformed into a cultural hub
Flags from both nations decorated the exhibition space, creating a spirit of mutual celebration. Families and people of all ages joined the festivities enthusiastically. The event welcomed people of determination in wheelchairs, making it truly inclusive.
Visitors enjoyed interactive elements like prize-winning games and writing competitions that invited stories about shared experiences. Rashed Al Tamimi, director of Emirates Loves, saw the festival as “a message of love and appreciation, and a true reflection of the UAE leadership’s vision in building an inclusive and harmonious society”.
UAE Leaders and Iranian Diplomats Reaffirm Bilateral Ties
Image Source: www.mofa.gov.ae
Iran Fest proved way beyond the reach and influence of a cultural celebration. Officials from both nations used this platform to strengthen their longstanding ties. The gathering showed evidence of the enduring relationship between the UAE and Iran that expresses mutual respect and shared history.
Sheik Nahyan praises centuries-old UAE–Iran relations
Sheik Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, delivered a powerful message about bilateral relations in his keynote address. “We are not just friends and neighbors across the waters of the Gulf – we are companions in a long, shared journey across history,” he stated. “For centuries, our peoples have traded across the seas, shared stories, interwoven families, supported one another, and worked together to encourage world peace, stability, and security.”
Sheik Nahyan emphasized that the celebration reflected “admiration in the UAE for the spirit and intelligence of the Iranian people, as well as for the beauty of their culture and traditions.” Iran represents one of the oldest and most prolific human civilizations, and both nations share profound historical bonds.
Iranian Consul General highlights community contributions
The newly appointed Iranian Consul General Alireza Mahmoudi revealed that nearly 800,000 Iranians now live in the UAE. This number shows a substantial increase from previous estimates of 500,000. Mahmoudi expressed gratitude to UAE leadership for hosting the Iranian community and creating an environment where they could thrive during his first public appearance.
“This event is very important for both Iranians and Emiratis,” Mahmoudi remarked, noting that Iranians have been present in the region since before the UAE’s formation. His mission aims to strengthen bilateral ties in economic, consular, and cultural domains.
Event reflects UAE culture and heritage of inclusivity
The celebration demonstrated UAE’s steadfast dedication to cultural diversity under President Sheik Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Vice President Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s leadership. Sheik Nahyan explained how the UAE has become “a true crossroads of cultures” where people from a variety of backgrounds live together harmoniously.
Rashed Al Tamimi, director of Emirates Loves, described the festival as “a message of love and appreciation” that embodies UAE’s vision of an inclusive society. “To the Iranian community, we’re saying you are not guests. You are partners in this homeland,” he declared. His words reinforced the event’s role in strengthening bilateral relations.
Iranian Community Celebrates Identity and Belonging
Image Source: DXB News Network
The grandeur of Iran Fest revealed personal stories that showcased the Iranian community’s deep connection to the UAE. Many participants saw the festival as more than just cultural displays—it represented their path to integration while preserving their identity.
Personal stories of long-time Iranian residents
Dubai has been Yusuf Astaraki’s home for a quarter century, and he reflects on his success since moving here. “We have a thriving Iranian community here. We can enjoy everything from home—our food, our culture—and still be part of an international society,” he shared. A businessman of 15 years in the UAE, Farshad Kamisi points out that cultural similarities help Iranians feel at home, describing the UAE as “a warm, welcoming place”.
Generational businesses and cultural pride on display
The festival highlighted Iranian family businesses that have prospered in the Emirates. Abdul Aziz Ranjbar showcased his 65-year-old family enterprise Milan Couture with his wife Manizhe Moeini and daughter Fatemah. “I have literally watched the UAE grow in front of my eyes,” said Abdul Aziz, who started with a small shop in Naif Souq.
Inclusive participation from all age groups and abilities
The celebration welcomed diversity within the Iranian community. Everyone participated actively in the cultural showcase—from children to elderly expats, professionals of all backgrounds, and people of determination in wheelchairs. This inclusive spirit echoed Rashed Al Tamimi’s meaningful message to the Iranian community: “You are not guests. You are partners in this homeland”.
Cultural Diplomacy Strengthens UAE–Iran Relations
Iran Fest stands as the most important milestone in UAE and Iran’s diplomatic framework. The festival helps strengthen bilateral ties through cultural involvement.
Festival lines up with revival of Joint Economic Commission
The cultural celebration marks the revival of the UAE-Iran Joint Economic Commission (JEC) that met in Abu Dhabi in April 2024 after a 10-year gap. This diplomatic breakthrough created mutually beneficial alliances in tourism, transport, entrepreneurship, renewable energy, and agriculture. Trade between both nations has grown rapidly. Iran now imports AED 76.38 billion in goods from the UAE, which makes Abu Dhabi Tehran’s largest source of imports.
Writing competition welcomes stories of shared experiences
Sheik Nahyan called Iranian residents to join the UAE Writing Competition with the theme “What the UAE Means to Me”. Participants can submit essays, poems, or letters that showcase their life in the Emirates. Publishers will release winning entries in both Arabic and English to preserve these stories for future generations.
Event sets an example for peaceful coexistence in the region
Iran Fest shows how cultural diplomacy strengthens international relations. Ali Reza Salari, a former Iranian Ambassador, once said, “Exchanges of cultural events and intellectual resources are the key to bringing two nations closer”. The festival proves that cultural understanding forms the foundations of economic cooperation and regional stability.
The historic Iran Fest at Dubai’s Expo City Exhibition Center ended on a high note. Tens of thousands of Iranian expatriates and distinguished diplomats gathered to celebrate. The festival brought Iranian heritage to life through lively performances, mouth-watering food, and artistic displays that engaged people of all ages.
Sheik Nahyan’s powerful message echoed through the event. He spoke about how both nations have “traded across the seas, shared stories, interwoven families,” and worked together for regional stability. The Iranian Consul General revealed that 800,000 Iranians now call the UAE their home, which shows their deep connection to Emirati society.
Long-time Iranian residents shared personal stories that gave the festival deeper meaning. Many families who watched the UAE grow over decades felt grateful. They found a place where they could keep their cultural identity and succeed in an international setting. The celebration went beyond entertainment and became a powerful symbol of belonging.
The timing couldn’t have been better. Recent diplomatic progress brought back the UAE-Iran Joint Economic Commission after ten years. The festival showed cultural diplomacy at its best by using art, music, and traditions to build stronger economic and political ties.
People of all ages and abilities joined the celebration, which showed UAE leadership’s dedication to diversity. Rashed Al Tamimi summed it up perfectly when he said Iranians are “not guests” but “partners in this homeland.”
Iran Fest proves how cultural understanding builds economic cooperation and regional stability. The festival may be over, but its effects will last. It encourages greater appreciation for Iranian community’s role in UAE’s diverse culture and deepens the connection between these nations for future generations.
