An estimated 3.3 million Indians live in the UAE, making the Emirates home to the largest Indian expatriate community in the world.
On Thursday night, Dubai Festival City (in collaboration with Dubai Tourism and the Indian Consulate) put on a huge Diwali party to celebrate the strong Indian community in the UAE.
It is estimated that around 30,000 visitors came to the event, where a DJ played Bollywood hits from across the bay, and Indian dancers took to the stage.
The night also marked the launch of the latest installment of the Imagine light, laser and water show, this one called Hathi's Garden. If you missed it, not to worry: the show will be on display until November 29, showing every night after dark.
Also on display until November 29 is the Elephant Parade: a global social enterprise initiative that is the world’s largest art exhibition of decorated elephant statues, which have been created in collaboration with artists and celebrities. The initiative travels around the world and aims to raise money and awareness for elephant conservation.
Back to the Thursday night party, videos of the Dubai Police Band playing the Indian national anthem at the event have been shared widely on social media throughout the weekend:
The beginning of the Diwali celebrations in Dubai 24.10.19 at festival city with Indian national Anthem played by Dubai police band. Feel proud🙏 pic.twitter.com/8GF49g73e1
— 🇮🇳Dr.Chandra Sekhar Khuntia (@drkhuntia21) October 25, 2019
And the consul general of India's official Twitter account shared this video showing the Hathi's Garden show, which features laser light elephants being uncharacteristically lightfooted and walking across water:
Crowd was amused to see new Imagine Show Hathi's Garden at @DFCMall ... Dubai police band was awesome and crowd cheered to the wonderful and spectacular show....@dubaitourism @DubaiPoliceHQ pic.twitter.com/aDTXiokxAZ
— India in Dubai (@cgidubai) October 24, 2019
