The UAE’s Pakistani community gathered on Friday for colourful celebrations of the country’s independence day.
Residents from across the Emirates usually meet at the embassy and consulate in Abu Dhabi and Dubai to participate in festivities.
The event this year was limited to diplomats, office staff and invited guests due to restrictions to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
Officials in both emirates raised the flag to mark August 14, the day that marked the end of British colonial rule in 1947 when Pakistan became a sovereign nation.
Speeches of Pakistan President Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan were broadcast, followed by a cultural programme at the Pakistan consulate in Dubai that was decorated with green and white balloons.
In Abu Dhabi, students read out patriotic speeches to commemorate the occasion at the embassy.
Pakistan’s ambassador to the UAE Ghulam Dastagir thanked the country for its constant support and paid tribute to the Founding Father Sheikh Zayed.
He highlighted the valuable contributions made by Pakistani residents in the Emirates toward the economic development of their home country and described them as an enduring link between the two nations.
Consul General Ahmed Amjad Ali thanked the UAE government for their assistance during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Leaders in the Emirates too congratulated the country on its 74th Independence Day anniversary.
President Sheikh Khalifa sent a message to President Alvi on the occasion.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces also sent messages to President Alvi and Prime Minister Khan.
Recipe
Garlicky shrimp in olive oil
Gambas Al Ajillo
Preparation time: 5 to 10 minutes
Cooking time: 5 minutes
Serves 4
Ingredients
180ml extra virgin olive oil; 4 to 5 large cloves of garlic, minced or pureed (or 3 to 4 garlic scapes, roughly chopped); 1 or 2 small hot red chillies, dried (or ¼ teaspoon dried red chilli flakes); 400g raw prawns, deveined, heads removed and tails left intact; a generous splash of sweet chilli vinegar; sea salt flakes for seasoning; a small handful of fresh flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped
Method
▶ Heat the oil in a terracotta dish or frying pan. Once the oil is sizzling hot, add the garlic and chilli, stirring continuously for about 10 seconds until golden and aromatic.
▶ Add a splash of sweet chilli vinegar and as it vigorously simmers, releasing perfumed aromas, add the prawns and cook, stirring a few times.
▶ Once the prawns turn pink, after 1 or 2 minutes of cooking, remove from the heat and season with sea salt flakes.
▶ Once the prawns are cool enough to eat, scatter with parsley and serve with small forks or toothpicks as the perfect sharing starter. Finish off with crusty bread to soak up all that flavour-infused olive oil.
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Background: Chemical Weapons
MATCH INFO
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LA LIGA FIXTURES
Thursday (All UAE kick-off times)
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THE SPECS
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Power: 110 horsepower
Torque: 147Nm
Price: From Dh59,700
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Norwich City 0 Southampton 3 (Ings 49', Armstrong 54', Redmond 79')
