UAE Consul General Visits Sindh Craft Festival to Celebrate Arab Culture Ahead of National Day

By Aziz Khatri

KARACHI: In a celebratory lead-up to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) National Day, the UAE Consul General in Karachi, Dr. Bakheet Ateeq Al Rumaithi, visited the Sindh Craft Festival this week. The three-day festival, held at Karachi’s illustrious Port Grand entertainment venue, aims to showcase the rich tapestry of traditional Sindhi craft as well as promote Arab cultural heritage through various stalls featuring Arab cuisine.

The festival was officially inaugurated by Sindh’s Culture Minister, Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah, who praised the vibrant display of traditional wares, including shawls, quilts, handlooms, and caps crafted by skilled artisans from across Sindh. Dr. Al Rumaithi's visit further emphasized the strong cultural ties between the UAE and Pakistan. As he explored the festival, he remarked, “Various stalls have been set up at Port Grand keeping in mind Arab culture.” The Consul General noted the enthusiastic participation of women, children, and the elderly, highlighting the festival's inclusive spirit.

The UAE's longstanding relationship with Pakistan has continued to grow, with the UAE recognized as one of Pakistan's largest trading partners. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that the volume of trade between the two nations surged to $7.9 billion in 2023, marking a 12 percent increase from the previous year. In a significant development earlier this year, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that the UAE had pledged a remarkable $10 billion investment in promising economic sectors within Pakistan. The newly established Pakistan Business Council (PBC) at the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry aims to escalate this collaboration, targeting a bilateral trade volume of $40 billion over the next three years.

With over a million Pakistani expatriates residing in the UAE, this vibrant community continues to contribute significantly to Pakistan, making the UAE the second-largest source of remittances for the country, after Saudi Arabia. As festivities gear up for the UAE's 53rd National Day on December 2, the strengthening bonds between the two nations are being celebrated by both communities, fostering a deeper connection through culture and commerce.