Dubai and the Urdu Connection: A Literary and Cultural Haven
By Zafar Iqbal, PhD
Washington, DC
Dubai, one of the seven emirates of the UAE, has transformed into a global metropolis renowned for its rapid development, economic prosperity, and cultural diversity. Seamlessly blending traditional Arabian heritage with modernity, it attracts millions of expatriates and tourists worldwide. While its roots lie in Bedouin traditions and maritime trade, today's Dubai is a cosmopolitan hub where diverse cultures and powerful South Asian influences thrive.
Once a small fishing and pearling village in the early 19th century, Dubai's fortune changed with the discovery of oil in the late 20th century. However, visionary leadership ensured that the emirate diversified beyond oil into finance, tourism, aviation, and real estate. The Al Maktoum dynasty continues to govern Dubai, with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum playing a pivotal role in shaping it into a global business and cultural center.
With expatriates comprising 85–90% of its population, Dubai is a vibrant mosaic of nationalities. While Emiratis remain a small yet influential minority, large communities of South Asians, Arabs, Europeans, and East Asians contribute to its dynamic multicultural landscape. A high standard of living, state-of-the-art infrastructure, luxury shopping, and a thriving business environment make Dubai an attractive destination for professionals and investors alike.
Beyond its commercial and technological hub reputation, Dubai boasts a rich cultural and literary scene. The Dubai International Literature Festival attracts renowned authors and intellectuals, while institutions like the Dubai Opera and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library foster artistic expression.
Urdu literary gatherings, particularly mushairas, hold a special place in the cultural landscape, thanks to the significant Urdu-speaking diaspora from Pakistan and India. Organizations such as Bazm-e-Urdu Dubai and various Indian and Pakistani cultural forums actively promote Urdu poetry, hosting grand mushairas featuring esteemed poets from the subcontinent and local talents in cultural centers, community halls, and luxury hotels.
Jashn-e-Rekhta, one of the world's largest Urdu literary festivals held annually in Delhi, debuted in Dubai in 2024. In February 2025, the festival's recent edition attracted renowned poets, singers, and performers worldwide, offering poetry recitations, ghazals, qawwali, Sufi music, Bollywood performances, dance, and theater. Despite the high price of tickets, thousands of enthusiasts attended this event. Notable sessions included poetic performances blending Urdu and Hindi, a discussion on movie scriptwriting with Zehra Nigah and Javed Akhtar, and the Grand Mushaira featuring Waseem Barelvi, Javed Akhtar, A. Abdullah, Abbas Tabish, Khushbir Singh Shaad, and Syed Sarosh Asif.
Notable sessions included Dilli Se Lahore Tak & Ballimaraan, a poetic performance by Piyush Mishra blending Urdu and Hindi; Shafqat Amanat Ali’s Concert, which started strong but was marred by his off-putting remarks; Raqs-o-Naghma, an accolade to film songs written by legendary poets, blending dance and music; a special tribute to Ameer Khusrau honoring his contributions to Rekhta and Indian classical music; Shaam Dhale with Ali Sethi, which disappointed many due to its Westernized approach; and Call A Poet, a unique telephone booth experience where attendees could listen to poetry in the poet's voice. The organizers also distributed a commemorative Festschrift.
Dubai is home to iconic landmarks such as the Mall of the Emirates, featuring over 630 retail outlets, and the Middle East's first indoor ski resort, Ski Dubai. The Jumeirah Mosque welcomes non-Muslim visitors for guided cultural tours. Neighboring emirates also offer remarkable sites, including Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Sharjah's Ottoman-inspired Sharjah Mosque.
Academically, Dubai hosts esteemed institutions like the American University and the University of Dubai. The UAE's academic landscape extends to Abu Dhabi, home to New York University Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, which features the University of Sharjah and the American University of Sharjah. These institutions contribute significantly to research and higher education in the region.
Dubai also offers luxurious accommodations, including the iconic Burj Al Arab and Abu Dhabi's Emirates Palace, which is known for its stunning architecture and exceptional hospitality. The city provides diverse culinary experiences, from fine dining at Zuma and Hakkasan to authentic Emirati flavors at Al Fanar and Lebanese cuisine at Lebanese Flower.
The Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, spanning 250,000 square meters near Arabian Ranches, hosts prestigious tournaments such as the UAE Nations Cup and the Cartier International Dubai Polo Challenge. A particularly memorable event was a wedding hosted by an Aligarian family, bringing together Aligarh graduates from across the globe. The gathering beautifully recreated the cherished Aligarh culture of the 1970s and 1980s, and a chorus rendition of the Aligarh Tarana would have made it feel like an official alum event.
My first trip to Dubai was in 1992, when I visited the UAE University Medical College in Al Ain at their invitation. I attended the first graduation ceremony of Dubai Medical College, hosted by the visionary Haji Saeed Bin Ahmed Al Lootah. A pioneer in education and corporate citizenship, he founded several institutions, including Dubai Pharmacy College, The Islamic School for Training and Education, Dubai Medical College for Girls, and the Dubai Institute for Environmental Research. My maternal uncle, Dr Mirza Umair Beg, was the founding director of the Dubai Institute for Environmental Research. During my visit, I had insightful discussions with him and Dr Shakeel Ahmad on environmental and toxicological challenges in the UAE.
Dubai's unique blend of history, modernity, and multiculturalism makes it a remarkable center for cultural exchange. Its leadership has ensured stability while fostering an environment where diverse ethnic communities thrive. The city's dedication to literature, particularly Urdu poetry, underscores its commitment to bridging tradition and modernity in an increasingly globalized world.
