Dubai’s iconic Burj Khalifa is all set to glow in the vibrant hues of the Indian tricolour this Friday, marking the 79th Independence Day of India in a grand style. The dazzling display, scheduled for 7:50 pm on August 15, will be joined by other landmarks across the UAE lighting up in saffron, white, and green — a visual treat for millions of Indians living abroad.
The Indian Consulate in Dubai confirmed the timings, adding that this annual gesture has become a source of immense pride for the Indian community. UAE leaders are likely to extend their customary greetings to the people and leadership of India on this special occasion.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Occasion | 79th Indian Independence Day Celebrations in the UAE |
| Main Highlight | Burj Khalifa lighting up in the Indian tricolour |
| Date & Time | August 15, 2025 – 7:50 PM (UAE time) |
| Flag Hoisting – Dubai | 6:30 AM at the Indian Consulate; Gates open at 6:00 AM |
| Flag Hoisting – Abu Dhabi | 7:15 AM at the Indian Embassy |
| Special Features | Cultural performances, tribal art exhibition, counter-terrorism display |
| Other Events | Sharjah Blitz Chess Tournament, cultural shows, special offers in stores and airlines |
Flag Hoisting: But Earlier This Year
Given the intense summer heat, both the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate in Dubai have decided to start their ceremonies earlier than usual. In Dubai, gates will open at 6 am with the flag hoisting at 6:30 am — a shift from last year’s 7 am. Abu Dhabi’s celebrations will begin at 7:15 am, moved up from 7:30 am in 2024.
In Abu Dhabi, Ambassador Sanjay Sudhir will lead the celebrations, while Consul General Satish Kumar Sivan will head the Dubai event. Both venues will feature vibrant cultural performances, with Abu Dhabi adding a tribal art exhibition and a special display highlighting India’s counter-terrorism initiatives, linked to the recent Pahalgam terror attack.
Community Spirit in Full Swing
Celebrations began early with a large-scale blood donation drive in Dubai, coordinated by the Indian Consulate in collaboration with FOI Events. The camp drew around 270 donors, among them Ashish Verma, Consul (Passport).
Glimpses from AmritKaal 2025 event comprising of various competitions and cultural extravaganza to commemorate the 79th #IndependenceDayIndia by @FOIEvents Yuva Group. Mr. Pabitra Majumdar, Consul, @cgidubai joined the young🇮🇳 diaspora for the celebration.#HarGharTiranga pic.twitter.com/10c8rhsAuR
— India in Dubai (@cgidubai) August 11, 2025
The missions are actively driving the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign, urging Indians to display the national flag at their homes with pride from August 2 to 15. To inspire young audiences, Glendale School in Dubai hosted an exhibition tracing the rich history of India’s national flag, complemented by performances and contests under the Amrit Kaal 2025 theme.
Chess, Culture, and More
In Sharjah, the Independence Day Blitz Chess Tournament will add a competitive twist to the celebrations, organised by the Sharjah Cultural Chess Club and supported by the Indian Consulate. Across the UAE, community groups and businesses are also joining in with flag hoistings, cultural programmes, special offers on Indian food and products, and even discounted flight tickets.
On social media, Indian expats are sharing their excitement — from shopping for tricolour outfits to decorating homes — proving that even thousands of kilometres away, the spirit of 15th August remains strong.
This Friday, as the world’s tallest building shines in the colours of the Indian flag, the UAE will once again stand with India in celebrating freedom, unity, and pride.
Reference: https://gulfnews.com
