• Hassan Afzal Khan, Pakistan's consul general in Dubai, speaks at an event to mark his country's 75th Independence Day.
    Hassan Afzal Khan, Pakistan's consul general in Dubai, speaks at an event to mark his country's 75th Independence Day.
  • Guests gather for the event at the consulate general of Pakistan in Dubai.
    Guests gather for the event at the consulate general of Pakistan in Dubai.
  • Mr Khan, centre, is joined by other officials to cut a cake as part of the Independence Day celebrations.
    Mr Khan, centre, is joined by other officials to cut a cake as part of the Independence Day celebrations.
  • Mr Khan raises the Pakistani national flag at the consulate general in Dubai.
    Mr Khan raises the Pakistani national flag at the consulate general in Dubai.
  • The consulate will take on more community-friendly initiatives to aid Pakistanis living in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, a senior official has said.
    The consulate will take on more community-friendly initiatives to aid Pakistanis living in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, a senior official has said.
  • Pakistani citizens living abroad play an important role in 'in the development and progress' of the country, Mr Khan says.
    Pakistani citizens living abroad play an important role in 'in the development and progress' of the country, Mr Khan says.
  • Pakistanis celebrate their country's Independence Day during an event at the consulate in Dubai.
    Pakistanis celebrate their country's Independence Day during an event at the consulate in Dubai.
  • Guests and the Pakistani consulate followed Covid-19 regulations during the ceremony.
    Guests and the Pakistani consulate followed Covid-19 regulations during the ceremony.
  • Pakistan's independence day celebrations pay tribute to 'our forefathers for their struggles and sacrifices' in creating the country, Mr Khan says.
    Pakistan's independence day celebrations pay tribute to 'our forefathers for their struggles and sacrifices' in creating the country, Mr Khan says.
  • About 1.6 million Pakistani citizens live in the UAE - the second-highest number of Pakistanis living abroad after Saudi Arabia.
    About 1.6 million Pakistani citizens live in the UAE - the second-highest number of Pakistanis living abroad after Saudi Arabia.

Pakistani community in UAE celebrates 75th Independence Day


Sarwat Nasir
  • English
  • Arabic

Pakistani diplomats and residents in the UAE gathered on Saturday to celebrate the country’s 75th Independence Day.

The Pakistani flag was raised at the country's embassy in Abu Dhabi and the consulate general in Dubai to mark the occasion.

Officials in both emirates made speeches to celebrate when British colonial rule ended and Pakistan became a sovereign nation on August 14, 1947.

The officials also read messages from Pakistan’s President Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan.

“This [Independence Day] was a result of political, democratic and constitutional struggle of our forefathers under the able and selfless leadership of [Pakistan's founder] Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah,” said Afzaal Mahmood, Pakistan’s ambassador to the UAE.

He thanked the Pakistani community in the Emirates and said they were playing an important role in supporting the national economy and improving ties between the countries.

More than a million Pakistani citizens call the UAE their home.

The Emirates has the world's second-largest Pakistani resident population, behind Saudi Arabia.

“On the government’s part, we would continue to intensify co-operation with the UAE through closer government-to-government and people-to-people contacts,” Mr Mahmood said.

UAE leaders congratulate Pakistan

President Sheikh Khalifa sent a message of congratulations to President Arif Alvi of Pakistan on his country's Independence Day.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, echoed these sentiments in similar messages of support.

Pakistani consul general Hassan Afzal Khan also paid a tribute to Jinnah during a speech in Dubai.

“Our great guide Muhammad Ali Jinnah had envisioned a democratic, tolerant and progressive Pakistan where every citizen in our country will utilise his or her faculties to the fullest and could really benefit from the social economic benefits of the country,” Mr Khan said.

“He strived and stood for the rule of law, and the establishment of our decadent democratic equality. Let us on this day rededicate ourselves to those ideals, and reassess as to what extent we have achieved those goals.

“Undoubtedly, our beautiful country is blessed with every gift of nature. We have all the ingredients to carve out our own destiny, and rise as a successful nation of the world.”

He thanked the UAE government for standing in solidarity with Pakistan “during good and bad times”.

Mr Khan tweeted his congratulations on Independence Day.

He said the country’s focus was on environmental initiatives, reviving the economy and tackling the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We have surmounted monumental challenges during the course of our history to emerge as a united, peaceful and resilient nation," he said.

"Even today, the changing regional dynamics, along with some domestic issues, continue to test our resolve. Like each time, we will also overcome these obstacles with our characteristic determination and come out stronger as a nation.

“Pakistan today can stand tall among the comity of nations. Our policies towards reviving the economy, handling the pandemic and protecting the environment have received universal acclaim."

COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EKinetic%207%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202018%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Rick%20Parish%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Abu%20Dhabi%2C%20UAE%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Clean%20cooking%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%2410%20million%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Self-funded%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
What are the GCSE grade equivalents?
 
  • Grade 9 = above an A*
  • Grade 8 = between grades A* and A
  • Grade 7 = grade A
  • Grade 6 = just above a grade B
  • Grade 5 = between grades B and C
  • Grade 4 = grade C
  • Grade 3 = between grades D and E
  • Grade 2 = between grades E and F
  • Grade 1 = between grades F and G
Key figures in the life of the fort

Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.

Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.

Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.

Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.

Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.

Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.

Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.

Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae

Key findings of Jenkins report
  • Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
  • Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
  • Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
  • Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
VEZEETA PROFILE

Date started: 2012

Founder: Amir Barsoum

Based: Dubai, UAE

Sector: HealthTech / MedTech

Size: 300 employees

Funding: $22.6 million (as of September 2018)

Investors: Technology Development Fund, Silicon Badia, Beco Capital, Vostok New Ventures, Endeavour Catalyst, Crescent Enterprises’ CE-Ventures, Saudi Technology Ventures and IFC

How to apply for a drone permit
  • Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
  • Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
  • Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
  • Submit their request
What are the regulations?
  • Fly it within visual line of sight
  • Never over populated areas
  • Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
  • Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
  • Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
  • Should have a live feed of the drone flight
  • Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Boulder shooting victims

• Denny Strong, 20
• Neven Stanisic, 23
• Rikki Olds, 25
• Tralona Bartkowiak, 49
• Suzanne Fountain, 59
• Teri Leiker, 51
• Eric Talley, 51
• Kevin Mahoney, 61
• Lynn Murray, 62
• Jody Waters, 65

The bio

Favourite vegetable: Broccoli

Favourite food: Seafood

Favourite thing to cook: Duck l'orange

Favourite book: Give and Take by Adam Grant, one of his professors at University of Pennsylvania

Favourite place to travel: Home in Kuwait.

Favourite place in the UAE: Al Qudra lakes

Brahmastra%3A%20Part%20One%20-%20Shiva
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAyan%20Mukerji%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ERanbir%20Kapoor%2C%20Alia%20Bhatt%20and%20Amitabh%20Bachchan%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A

Company Profile

Company name: NutriCal

Started: 2019

Founder: Soniya Ashar

Based: Dubai

Industry: Food Technology

Initial investment: Self-funded undisclosed amount

Future plan: Looking to raise fresh capital and expand in Saudi Arabia

Total Clients: Over 50

The specs: 2018 Renault Koleos

Price, base: From Dh77,900
Engine: 2.5L, in-line four-cylinder
Transmission: Continuously variable transmission
Power: 170hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque: 233Nm @ 4,000rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 8.3L / 100km

Mission%3A%20Impossible%20-%20Dead%20Reckoning%20Part%20One
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Christopher%20McQuarrie%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Tom%20Cruise%2C%20Hayley%20Atwell%2C%20Pom%20Klementieff%2C%20Simon%20Pegg%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A

THE SPECS

Engine: 4.4-litre V8

Transmission: Automatic

Power: 530bhp 

Torque: 750Nm 

Price: Dh535,000

On sale: Now

How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
  1. Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
  2. Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
  3. Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
  4. Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
  5. Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
  6. The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
  7. Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269

*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year

THE SPECS

Engine: 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder

Transmission: Constant Variable (CVT)

Power: 141bhp 

Torque: 250Nm 

Price: Dh64,500

On sale: Now

Updated: August 14, 2021, 4:41 PM