Suniel Shetty hails India-UAE bond at IPF event: 'Proud of our Indian diaspora'
Synopsis
Suniel Shetty stepped beyond Bollywood at an Indian People's Forum gathering in Dubai, calling the UAE 'an extension of our very own India' and joining attendees in a pledge to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan — a rare on-ground gesture by a Hindi film star that spotlights the depth of India's diaspora diplomacy.
Key Takeaways
Suniel Shetty attended an Indian People's Forum (IPF) event in Dubai on 18 August , celebrating India-UAE ties.
He shared event highlights on Instagram , calling the UAE 'an extension of our very own India.' Shetty mentioned UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Dr.
Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi in his post.
Attendees, including Shetty, recited a pledge of allegiance to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan .
His latest film, 'Welcome to the Jungle' , released worldwide on 26 June 2026 , featured a large ensemble Bollywood cast.
Actor Suniel Shetty on 18 August celebrated the deepening ties between India and the UAE at a community gathering in Dubai, expressing pride in the Indian diaspora and the growing bilateral collaboration between the two nations.
What Shetty Said at the Event
Sharing glimpses from the evening on Instagram, the 'Dhadkan' and 'Hera Pheri' actor described the occasion as a meaningful tribute to India and its people abroad. 'What a wonderful evening of celebrating India, our people and the beautiful bond we share with the UAE,' he wrote in his post.
Shetty also praised the Indian community's contributions in the UAE, adding: 'Proud, proud, proud of our Indian diaspora and the incredible work being done together with the UAE.' He specifically mentioned UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Dr. Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi in his social media post.
About the Gathering
The event was organised by the Indian People's Forum (IPF), one of the largest community associations representing Indian expatriates in the UAE. Attendees collectively recited a pledge of allegiance to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, with Shetty joining the audience in taking both pledges.
Speaking at the event, Shetty described the UAE — and Dubai in particular — as 'an extension of our very own India,' praising both the country and the Indian community for their resilience in navigating challenges and crises.
India-UAE Ties: A Broader Context
The event reflects the increasingly warm people-to-people and diplomatic relationship between the two countries. The Indian diaspora in the UAE is among the largest in the world, and bilateral trade and investment ties have expanded significantly in recent years, including through the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Notably, Shetty has long been a vocal advocate for India's culture and its global community.
On the Work Front
On the professional side, Shetty was most recently seen in the action-comedy 'Welcome to the Jungle', released worldwide on 26 June 2026. The film featured an ensemble cast including Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, Disha Patani, Jacqueline Fernandez, Raveena Tandon, Lara Dutta, Arshad Warsi, Tusshar Kapoor, Shreyas Talpade, Aftab Shivdasani, and Jackie Shroff.
As India-UAE cultural and diplomatic engagement continues to grow, events like this underscore the role public figures play in strengthening diaspora bonds.
Point of View
And the CEPA signed in 2022 has made bilateral optics politically important. What's worth watching is whether such cultural gestures translate into tangible community outcomes, or remain largely symbolic. The pledge to the UAE President, joined by a prominent Indian actor, is a nuanced moment that mainstream entertainment coverage tends to gloss over.
NationPress
18 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Suniel Shetty attend the IPF event in Dubai?
Suniel Shetty attended an Indian People's Forum (IPF) gathering in Dubai to celebrate the bond between India and the UAE and to show solidarity with the Indian diaspora there. The IPF is one of the largest community associations representing Indian expatriates in the UAE.
What did Suniel Shetty say about the UAE?
Shetty described Dubai as 'an extension of our very own India' and wrote on Instagram that he was 'proud, proud, proud' of the Indian diaspora and the work being done in collaboration with the UAE. He also praised the community's resilience in overcoming challenges.
Who is Dr. Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi?
Dr. Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi is the UAE's Minister of Foreign Trade, whom Suniel Shetty specifically mentioned in his Instagram post from the IPF event.
What is the Indian People's Forum (IPF)?
The Indian People's Forum (IPF) is one of the largest community associations representing Indian expatriates in the UAE. It organised the gathering attended by Suniel Shetty, at which attendees recited a pledge of allegiance to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
What is Suniel Shetty's latest film?
Suniel Shetty was last seen in 'Welcome to the Jungle,' an action-comedy released worldwide on 26 June 2026, featuring an ensemble cast including Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, Disha Patani, and several other Bollywood stars.
