Abu dhabi: Home to over 200 nationalities living in harmony, continues to stand as a global model of tolerance, coexistence, and compassion. Reflecting this vision, the Pakistan Association Dubai (PAD), the largest community centre for overseas Pakistanis in the world, has become a beacon of service and inclusion in the UAE.
According to Emirates News Agency, Dr. Faisal Ikram, President of PAD, emphasized in an interview on the International Day of Tolerance that the Association is committed to upholding the UAE's humanitarian values through initiatives that unite communities and promote coexistence. 'Through our work, we aim to serve humanity beyond borders, reflecting the UAE's message of compassion and mutual respect,' he stated.
Dr. Ikram further explained that PAD proudly operates on land gifted by the late H.H. Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, a gesture symbolizing the deep-rooted friendship between the UAE and Pakistan. He noted that the Association, inspired by the UAE's vision of coexistence, serves not only the Pakistani community but also people of various nationalities residing in the country. 'Our work is not based on nationality but on humanity,' Dr. Ikram affirmed. 'PAD is an inclusive platform open to everyone, regardless of faith or background.'
Central to PAD's mission is its flagship initiative, the Pakistan Medical Centre, a non-profit healthcare facility that embodies inclusion, compassion, and service. Since its inauguration in October 2020, the centre has impacted more than 151,400 lives, serving patients from over 92 nationalities across 37 medical specialties. Around 50 volunteer doctors offer their services, with 75 percent of patients receiving welfare-based care. To date, the centre has provided over AED 25.5 million worth of subsidized healthcare, making it a true example of tolerance in action.
Dr. Ikram highlighted that through the Pakistan Medical Centre, PAD serves people from all walks of life, reflecting the UAE's spirit of generosity and compassion. The Association continues to receive strong institutional support from the Community Development Authority (CDA), while the Dubai Department of Finance has granted fee exemptions for the Pakistan Medical Centre (PMC). The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has also issued special volunteer licenses for medical professionals serving at the centre, underscoring the UAE government's confidence in humanitarian collaboration.
Additionally, Dr. Ikram recounted PAD's community engagement efforts, such as marking the Year of Community with a Guinness World Record for creating a massive human flag composed of 24,400 colorful handprints. This initiative involved participants from more than 100 nationalities, symbolizing the UAE's enduring spirit of diversity and harmony.