Emirates Loves Syria draws more than 55,000 to Dubai's Zabeel Park
More than 55,000 people attended the second Emirates Loves Syria celebration in Dubai on November 7, 2026, with a concert headlined by Assala Nasri, Syrian food, historical exhibits and activities for families.
Mariam Al Mansoori
Syrian heritage on display
Families joined Syrian public figures, business leaders and other residents at Zabeel Park. Visitors waved Syrian and UAE flags, and many wore colorful traditional clothing, according to Khaleej Times.
The celebration followed the inaugural edition on November 22, 2025, at the Dubai Exhibition Centre in Expo City Dubai. Gulf News reported ahead of that event that about 20,000 visitors were expected.
At this year's event, visitors could explore Syrian history through an open exhibition and pose in a photo zone depicting settings from Damascus, Aleppo, Homs, Hama, Latakia, Tartus and Daraa.
Khaleej Times reported that the exhibition's installations drew on landmarks including Palmyra's Arch of Triumph, Aleppo's Bab Al Faraj Clock Tower and the Homs Clock Tower. It also included a sculpture inspired by the Damascene sword. At an interactive display called "A Mailbox from Syria," visitors could retrieve letters expressing love, longing and remembrance.
Forty restaurants and kiosks served Syrian dishes, while another 30 stalls showcased products from Syrian home businesses and allowed their owners to meet visitors. Panel discussions, family activities and appearances by content creators acting as event ambassadors rounded out the program.
Assala's concert and families' reactions
Assala Nasri headlined the concert after the theft of her jewelry box in Detroit following her last US show on October 31, 2026. According to Khaleej Times, she said it contained sentimental keepsakes and that she had decided to put the incident behind her to perform in Dubai. Metro Detroit News and other outlets put the value of the stolen jewelry at $6 million, but that figure had not been officially confirmed.
Among those looking forward to seeing her was Nabila Shabana, a singer who has lived in the UAE for 13 years. Shabana told Gulf News it had been a long time since she last saw Assala. She praised the welcoming atmosphere and thanked the organizers for giving families a chance to celebrate together.
"I love everything about the UAE. I've been here for 13 years. I love Dubai. This country is in my heart. I'm always excited about living here and I thank God for that," Shabana said.
Talia Majd, an Abu Dhabi student who has lived in the UAE for 10 years, attended with her family. "I love celebrating here with my family. The UAE is my home and I love it," she said. Shawarma was among her favorite foods at the event.
Residents describe a sense of belonging
For Fadi Estfan, a business development professional with 25 years in the UAE, the celebration was also a source of pride in the country's recognition of Syria and support for Syrians' needs.
"The UAE's recognition and what it does for the Syrian people's needs is amazing. It makes me very proud being a Syrian in the UAE," he told Gulf News.
Estfan credited the UAE's safety, its people and its leadership with helping residents feel welcome. His message to other Syrians was: "Be proud as a Syrian and love yourself."
Leaders address UAE-Syria relations
Syrian President Ahmad Al Sharaa addressed the Syrian community in the Emirates by television. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, the UAE's minister of tolerance and coexistence, attended the gathering.
Sheikh Nahyan said the UAE, under President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, backed initiatives to advance Syria and establish security, peace and stability throughout the country.
"Relations between the UAE and Syria are rooted in history and constantly renewed, built on mutual respect, sincere brotherhood and positive coexistence," he said.
He praised Syrians' contributions to the UAE's development, describing them as examples of generosity and achievement and as a bridge between the two peoples. He also spoke of Syria's ancient civilization, its enduring contributions to humanity and historic sites such as Palmyra.
The gathering came amid increased involvement by UAE-based businesses in Syria's reconstruction, Khaleej Times reported. In October 2026, Emaar founder Mohamed Alabbar disclosed plans for the company to invest around $17 billion in Syria. Al Habtoor Group and master developer Arada have also announced projects there.
Syrian achievers honored
The celebration recognized UAE-based Syrians for contributions to art, media, medicine, business and design.
According to Khaleej Times, the honorees included actors Mona Wassef, Jamal Suleiman and Abed Fahd; consultant ophthalmologist Dr. Ghassan Altawil; and Mai Alghajari, president of the Syrian Emirati Council for Entrepreneurs. Historian Dr. Mohammad Issam Mahou and Maher Mouhajer, founder and CEO of Mouhajer International Design and Contracting, were also recognized.
