Dubai's Zabeel Park drew more than 55,000 people on Friday, November 7, for the second edition of "Emirates Loves Syria," a festival celebrating Syrian culture, heritage and the community spirit of Syrians living in the UAE.

During the event, Syrian President Ahmad Al Shara addressed the Syrian community in the UAE in a televised message. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, the UAE's Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, was also among those present. Acclaimed Syrian singer Assala Nasri headlined the entertainment programme, drawing large crowds with her performance.

Attendees waved Syrian and UAE flags and many wore colourful traditional dress throughout the celebration. Part of the festival was dedicated to an exhibition on Syria's history and culture, alongside an interactive photo zone recreating scenes from Damascus, Aleppo, Homs, Hama, Latakia, Tartus and Daraa, allowing visitors to pose against backdrops of the cities.

Beyond the cultural programme, the festival featured 30 stalls run by Syrian home businesses and 40 restaurants and food kiosks serving authentic Syrian dishes, giving visitors the chance to sample a wide range of Syrian cuisine.

Now in its second consecutive year in Dubai, the festival reflects close ties between the UAE and Syria as well as the sizeable Syrian community living in the Emirates. Organisers describe the event as part of the UAE's broader effort to create space for cultural exchange and coexistence among the many nationalities that call the country home. This year's turnout marked one of the largest community gatherings held at Zabeel Park in recent months, organisers said.