emirates7 - Amin Gafar, Head of the Sudanese Diaspora in the UAE, emphasized that the Gate of Sudan Festival, held today at Expo City Dubai, provides a dynamic platform to showcase Sudanese culture internationally from the heart of the UAE. He highlighted that the event symbolizes the enduring historical ties between the Sudanese and Emirati peoples.
Speaking to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Gafar expressed pride in the Sudanese community’s involvement in this significant cultural celebration, which reflects their longstanding presence in the UAE—even before the federation's formation. He noted the vital role Sudanese nationals have played in shaping the country's social and cultural landscape.
He praised the Sudanese community for its strong social cohesion and longstanding roots, adding that many Emiratis hold Sudanese culture in high regard and frequently travel to Sudan to experience its cities and traditions firsthand. This, he said, demonstrates the vibrant cultural exchange between the two nations.
Gafar also highlighted Sudan's extraordinary cultural and geographic variety, with more than 140 languages and 400 tribes, describing this diversity as a vital source of strength and a cornerstone of Sudan's rich identity.
He pointed out that the Sudanese Social Club—founded in 1974 as the first such organization for Sudanese nationals in the UAE—has since grown to six branches throughout the country, thanks to the UAE leadership's generous support. This backing has helped maintain a strong Sudanese cultural presence and deepen ties with the Emirati society.
Meanwhile, Ahmed Hamrawi, Founder of the "Emirates Loves Sudan" platform and general coordinator of the festival, described the event as a community-driven initiative aimed at strengthening connections between the Sudanese diaspora, Emiratis, and other nationalities living in the UAE.
Hamrawi noted that the festival celebrates Sudanese heritage in all its diversity and received an overwhelmingly positive reaction from the community right from the initial social media announcement, even before the full programme or participant list was shared—demonstrating a deep sense of cultural pride and enthusiasm.
The festival also featured major artistic performances, including a by renowned Sudanese singer Nancy Agag and the Marsimba Band, known for its fusion of Sudanese rhythms and Afrobeats. Dr. Omar Al Amin, a Sudanese community member born in the UAE, also contributed with a series of cultural and folkloric displays.
Notable Emirati involvement included appearances by media figure Abdullah Ismail and artist Tareq Al Menhali, who performed a traditional song from western Sudan, symbolizing the deep cultural ties and mutual appreciation between the Emirati and Sudanese communities.
Speaking to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Gafar expressed pride in the Sudanese community’s involvement in this significant cultural celebration, which reflects their longstanding presence in the UAE—even before the federation's formation. He noted the vital role Sudanese nationals have played in shaping the country's social and cultural landscape.
He praised the Sudanese community for its strong social cohesion and longstanding roots, adding that many Emiratis hold Sudanese culture in high regard and frequently travel to Sudan to experience its cities and traditions firsthand. This, he said, demonstrates the vibrant cultural exchange between the two nations.
Gafar also highlighted Sudan's extraordinary cultural and geographic variety, with more than 140 languages and 400 tribes, describing this diversity as a vital source of strength and a cornerstone of Sudan's rich identity.
He pointed out that the Sudanese Social Club—founded in 1974 as the first such organization for Sudanese nationals in the UAE—has since grown to six branches throughout the country, thanks to the UAE leadership's generous support. This backing has helped maintain a strong Sudanese cultural presence and deepen ties with the Emirati society.
Meanwhile, Ahmed Hamrawi, Founder of the "Emirates Loves Sudan" platform and general coordinator of the festival, described the event as a community-driven initiative aimed at strengthening connections between the Sudanese diaspora, Emiratis, and other nationalities living in the UAE.
Hamrawi noted that the festival celebrates Sudanese heritage in all its diversity and received an overwhelmingly positive reaction from the community right from the initial social media announcement, even before the full programme or participant list was shared—demonstrating a deep sense of cultural pride and enthusiasm.
The festival also featured major artistic performances, including a by renowned Sudanese singer Nancy Agag and the Marsimba Band, known for its fusion of Sudanese rhythms and Afrobeats. Dr. Omar Al Amin, a Sudanese community member born in the UAE, also contributed with a series of cultural and folkloric displays.
Notable Emirati involvement included appearances by media figure Abdullah Ismail and artist Tareq Al Menhali, who performed a traditional song from western Sudan, symbolizing the deep cultural ties and mutual appreciation between the Emirati and Sudanese communities.