The king of fruits became the topic of discussion as people from around the globe gathered for one evening in Dubai over the weekend.
The event, hosted by the Pakistan Association Dubai in the UAE, drew thousands from various cultures and countries, all united by their love for Pakistani mangoes.
True to its name, ‘Connecting Hearts – the Mangolicious Way,’ the two-day Pakistan Mango Festival has been a major attraction not only for the Pakistani diaspora in Dubai but also for other expats eager to sample the diverse varieties of this fruit, often hard to find in local markets.
The event included stage performances, contests, children’s activities, various mango-based foods, and free mango products. Attendees also had the chance to purchase mangoes. The festival was organized by the Pakistan Association Dubai, in collaboration with the Pakistan Business Council and the Consulate General of Pakistan in Dubai.
“This is the second edition; the first was in 2022. On the first day, we invited ambassadors, consul generals, diplomats, business council members from over 20 countries, and dignitaries from the Dubai government. On the second day, the event was open to the public with free entry.
“One of the best aspects of the event was the high attendance of non-Pakistanis. I met people from Iran, China, the UK, Belarus, and many other countries, which helps to create a more positive image of Pakistan.”
The previous edition saw around 5,000 attendees, and this year the number surpassed that as crowds of mango enthusiasts came to taste the popular fruit, with chaunsa being a clear favorite.
The event was inaugurated by Pakistan’s ambassador to the UAE, H.E. Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, and the Consul General of Pakistan, H.E. Hussain Muhammad.
“This is the most anticipated event of the year. Mangoes, like citrus fruits, are indigenous to the Indus Valley, which includes Pakistan,” said Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, according to a post on the Pakistan embassy’s social media.
“The Pakistan mango festival is an excellent way to promote diplomacy among the diverse diaspora in the UAE through one of the most beloved fruits,” said Pakistani expat Fahad Ali.
“Pakistan, with its production of over 400 varieties of mangoes, is truly a global leader in rich-tasting mangoes, and it brings me immense pride to see the country represented positively through this initiative.”
