Gate of Sudan festival celebrates strong UAE-Sudan cultural ties

The UAE has hosted a cultural festival to mark deep cultural ties with Sudan to "foster meaningful intercultural dialogue and celebrate diversity".

The Gate of Sudan Festival saw the participation of celebrated Sudanese personalities living in the UAE, traditional heritage displays and an exhibition to showcase the country's rich customs and crafts.

Sudanese singer Nancy Agag also performed at the event held at Expo City Dubai.

In his opening remarks Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, said the festival honours "Sudanese residents in the UAE for their valuable contributions to our nation’s development and their role in fostering enduring ties between the two countries".

"We come together to celebrate the people of Sudan who, despite challenges, remain strong in their pursuit of unity," he added, reflecting on the country's ongoing conflict.

The festival comes a year after "Sudan in the Heart of the UAE” event was held at Dubai World Trade Centre.