Türkiye's Consulate General in Dubai marked the 103rd anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Türkiye with a reception attended by Turkish citizens, members of the diplomatic corps and friends of Türkiye in the United Arab Emirates. UAE Sports Minister Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi also attended the event.
In two posts on the X platform on Saturday, November 7, the consulate said it experienced the “pride and joy” of celebrating the Republic Day anniversary with its guests in Dubai. It said Türkiye's ambassador to the UAE, Lütfullah Göktaş, attended the reception, along with Turkish lawmakers Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, the former foreign minister, and Mehmet Muharrem Kasapoğlu, the former youth and sports minister.
The video posted by the consulate, which lasts about one minute, shows the event at a hotel hall: a display marking the 103rd anniversary at the entrance, an exhibition of Turkish artworks including Arabic calligraphy and decorated plates, and artists creating calligraphy and paintings in front of guests. It then shows guests being welcomed in front of the Turkish and UAE flags, speeches from a stage bearing the consulate's logo, the presentation of an award sponsored by Turkish Airlines, musical performances, and a table featuring Turkish dishes and traditional Turkish ice cream.
Program extended over several days
The reception was part of a program organized by the consulate to mark the occasion. It began on the evening of October 31 with a tennis tournament at Emirates Golf Club and continued on November 1 with a motorcycle tour through Dubai's streets, a celebration with students and teachers from the “Turkish Language Hours in Dubai” school, and a screening of the film “1881 Atatürk: Birth of a Leader.”
In the capital Abu Dhabi, Türkiye's embassy had held its own celebration for the occasion, attended by UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi.
Guests from Ankara
Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu is one of the prominent figures in Turkish diplomacy and served as foreign minister for years, while Mehmet Muharrem Kasapoğlu served as youth and sports minister. Both currently hold seats in the Turkish Parliament. Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi serves as sports minister in the UAE government.
Turks celebrate Republic Day every year on October 29 to commemorate the declaration of the Republic of Türkiye in 1923. Turkish missions around the world host receptions for the occasion.
Video: Türkiye's Consulate General in Dubai. Cover photo: Dubai skyline at night (Robert Bock / Wikimedia Commons)
