Sahebaan UAE Hosts Grand Family Get-Together in Dubai
Dubai, UAE: Sahebaan UAE, a prominent organization representing the Urdu-speaking Muslim community from the twin districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, successfully hosted a grand family gathering at the Amity School grounds in Al Qusais, Dubai. The event, held on Saturday, February 15, 2025, attracted over a thousand attendees from the Sahebaan community, creating an atmosphere of celebration, recognition, and camaraderie among members from across the UAE, neighboring GCC countries, and India.
The evening commenced with a heartfelt recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, performed by Master Mohammad Faiz and Fazil Rahil Ali, setting a spiritual tone for the gathering. The event was officially welcomed by Althaf M. S., who emphasized the vital role of Sahebaan UAE in providing a platform for community members to connect, celebrate their heritage, and strengthen brotherly bonds.
Among the highlights of the evening was the recognition of several esteemed patrons of the Sahebaan Community. Janab Hidayathullah Abbas, K. S. Nissar Ahmed, and Afroz Assadi were honored for their exemplary humanitarian service, charitable endeavors, and unwavering support for Sahebaan UAE and its initiatives. The honoring proceedings were skillfully initiated by Janab Suhail Kudroli, Altaf Khalife, and Samiullah M.H.
A significant feature of the gathering was the presentation of the prestigious ‘Sahebaan Excellence Awards,’ which celebrated individuals who have made remarkable contributions in various fields. The awards were presented by the community’s patrons, underscoring the importance of recognizing excellence within the community. Among the distinguished awardees was Mohammad Akram, founder and chairman of Abu Dhabi-based ‘Al Sitara Contracting,’ who received the ‘Sahebaan Business Excellence Award’ for his impactful contributions to the business sector. In the realm of sports, Karkala’s Nasir Syed, an international Superbike racing champion and owner of DSBK Superbike Racing Company, was honored with the ‘Sahebaan Sports Excellence Award.’
In a touching tribute, the late Professor Muzaffar Hussain Assadi, a revered scholar and thinker, was posthumously awarded the ‘Sahebaan Academic Excellence Award.’ His brother, Sajjad Assadi, accepted the honor on his behalf, reflecting the community’s deep respect for his legacy. Additionally, writer and poet Irshad Moodbidri was recognized with the ‘Sahebaan Literary Excellence Award,’ which was presented to his son, Nihad. The ‘Sahebaan Community Service Excellence Award’ was awarded to Abu Dhabi-based businessmen Mohammad Asif and Sahar Mohammad Asif for their dedication to social causes, with their son, Abdul Ahad, accepting the award on their behalf.
The event was further graced by the presence of Janab Mohammed Muslim Koppa, Director at Vartha Bharathi, along with fellow Sahebaan members from overseas, including Janab Safiuddin Mohammed, Mumtaz Hussain, Niyamathulla Asadi, and Mohammed Hussain, who added to the celebratory spirit of the evening.
In addition to honoring distinguished individuals, the gathering also celebrated the academic achievements of students within the community. The ‘Sahebaan Merit Award’ was presented to students who achieved scores above 90% in their examinations. Among the honorees from the UAE were Faiz Anam, Mohammad Rayaan, and Mohammad Umair Suvaid Khan, who were recognized for their outstanding SSLC exam results. Muskan Fatima, who emerged as the Gulf topper in the commerce stream of the second-year pre-university exams, was also celebrated, along with other high achievers such as Juveria Firoz, Siham Akbar Ali, Mohammad Rafaan, and Hiba Altaf Salah.
The event also highlighted young talents in sports, with Mohammad Aiman, who excelled in the 4×4 100-meter relay, and Mohammad Aiz, associated with DOFA Football Association, being honored for their achievements.
The evening was not solely focused on awards; it was a vibrant celebration filled with cultural performances and activities, particularly aimed at children. A ‘Prince and Princess’ dress-up competition for kids under ten proved to be a major attraction, while performances of Indian patriotic songs, traditional Arabic dances, and a beautiful dua recitation by children enriched the festive atmosphere.
A short documentary showcasing the history, values, and achievements of the Sahebaan community was screened on a large LED display, providing attendees with deeper insights into their heritage. The event was expertly hosted by Hisrar Tallani, who traveled from Mangalore specifically for this occasion, captivating the audience with his wit, humor, and engaging activities.
The children’s programs were coordinated by a dedicated team, including Reeha Althaf for the Prince and Princess competition, Heena Kausar for the Indian Patriotic Dance, Fauzia Rahil for the Arabic Dance, and Fauzia Shah for the dua segment. Ajmal Mohammed delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all attendees and participants.
The success of this grand gathering was made possible through the tireless efforts of the organizing committee, which included Afroze Assadi, Althaf M.S., Ajmal Mohammad, Altaf Khalife, Samiullah M.H., Suhail Kudroli, Asif Mohammad Hussain, Sameer Sharif, Nayeem Khan, Abdul Ahed, and Faizan Khateeb. Among the women organizers, Parveen Assadi, Sahara Asif, and Reena Althaf played pivotal roles in ensuring the event’s success.
The Sahebaan family gathering was not only a celebration of achievements but also a reaffirmation of the community’s commitment to unity, recognition, and the pursuit of excellence across various fields. The event left a lasting impression on all attendees, fostering a sense of belonging and pride within the Sahebaan community.
