Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, and Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister of Kerala, attended “Malayalotsavam,” a celebration marking the 70th anniversary of Kerala’s formation.
The event, held at Abu Dhabi Golf Club, brought together more than 5,000 members of the Malayali community and several dignitaries, including Kerala’s Minister for Culture Saji Cherian, Indian Ambassador to the UAE Dr. Deepak Mittal and businessman Yusuf Ali M.A.
In his keynote address, Sheikh Nahyan welcomed attendees and emphasized the enduring relationship between Kerala, India and the United Arab Emirates. He said shared values and interests continue to guide the two sides toward peace and prosperity.
He commended Ambassador Mittal for his role in strengthening bilateral ties and praised Yusuf Ali M.A. as a figure deeply committed to advancing both economic and cultural cooperation, describing him as “a dedicated son not only of Kerala but also of the UAE".
Sheikh Nahyan thanked the audience for celebrating Kerala’s linguistic and cultural identity and highlighted the Keralite community’s reputation for talent, competence and commitment to heritage. He said the community forms an integral part of the UAE’s social fabric and contributes significantly to the nation’s development, particularly through its emphasis on education.
He expressed the UAE’s gratitude for the Malayali community’s hard work and reliability, noting that their presence enriches the country’s diversity. He encouraged maintaining strong ties to cultural roots while contributing to the UAE’s progress, adding that Kerala’s diversity mirrors the UAE’s, where people from many nationalities and faiths live harmoniously under what he described as a “great Arab tent".
Sheikh Nahyan said the UAE’s progress under the leadership of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is guided by compassion and respect for human dignity. He stressed that the country’s strength lies in its diversity and the complementary skills of all residents.
He reaffirmed the UAE’s long-standing friendship with Kerala and India, grounded in mutual respect and cooperation and called for more dialogue and collaboration. He described Kerala as an example of India’s achievements in education, sustainable development and technology, citing its success in eradicating extreme poverty as a model for others.
Concluding his remarks, Sheikh Nahyan congratulated the community on Kerala Day and expressed confidence in a bright shared future between the UAE and India.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan thanked Sheikh Nahyan for his patronage and hospitality, noting that his work in promoting tolerance and coexistence strengthens ties between Kerala and the UAE. He acknowledged the support the Malayali community receives in the Emirates, which he said translates into opportunities for growth and prosperity.
Vijayan also outlined prospects for expanded cooperation in investment, infrastructure, education, health and technology.
Kerala Day, observed annually on November 1, commemorates the state’s formation in 1956. The Abu Dhabi edition of Malayalotsavam, held on November 9, 2025, showcased seven decades of Kerala’s progress through cultural performances and programs promoting dialogue and cross-cultural understanding.