The Indian expatriate community in the UAE has organised several events to celebrate UAE National Day.

The Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre (KMCC), one of the largest Indian expatriate associations in the UAE, is hosting.

A weeklong programme of arts, sports and cultural events at the New India Model School Dubai's stadium. It culminates in a seminar on Indo-UAE relations.

Sheikh Ali Al Hashmi, Islamic Affairs Advisor to the UAE President, will inaugurate the programme. Also participating are Indian Minister of State for Railways E Ahmed, Indian MP Abdul Wahab, Indian Consul General in Dubai Venu Rajmony and KMCC Dubai State President Ibrahim Elayettil.

Speaking to Emirates Business, Elayattil said this year's celebration aims to cement Indo-UAE relations. Eminent scholars and experts from various fields will talk about the strong relationship between the UAE and India in areas such as trade and commerce, industry, education and culture.

The final event on Friday, at the Garhoud New Indian Model School, will be conducted in collaboration with Indian business groups such as UAE Exchange, Regency Group and Malabar Gold.

Several other cultural events have been organised by Indian associations and companies to celebrate the National Day and Eid. Future Media, a Sharjah-based event management group, has organised "Eid Sandhya" (Eid Evening), in collaboration with the Al Wafa Centre shopping malls.

The entertainment events, featuring many eminent playback singers and actors from Kerala, are being held at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, in Ras Al Khaimah and at the Sudani Club in Dubai. Play back singer Vidhu Pratap, Islamic folklore singer Eranjoli Moosa and mimicry artist Kottayam Nazir share the bill.

In other celebrations, Prowess Technology and Event Management organised an Eid Evening in which eminent singers participated.  Shoukat Ali Eroth, the programme's chief co-ordinator, said: "We plan to conduct Eid Evening every year. Eid is an occasion to celebrate and we are planning such events every year."