Media Release
UAE, Feb 20: Sahebaan UAE, an organization for the Urdu-speaking Muslim community hailing from the twin districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, hosted a grand family gathering at the Amity School grounds in Al Qusais, Dubai, on Saturday, February 15. The event brought together more than a thousand people from the Sahebaan community. It was an evening of celebration, recognition, and bonding, as community members from all over UAE, neighbouring GCC countries and India gathered to honour achievements and spend time with one another.
The event commenced with reciting verses from the Holy Quran by Master Mohammad Faiz and Fazil Rahil Ali. Althaf M S, welcomed the gathering and stated that Sahebaan UAE has been providing a platform identity and opportunity for the community members to come together, connect and strengthen brotherly bonds.
The patrons of the Sahebaan Community, Janab Hidayathullah Abbas, K S Nissar Ahmed, and Afroz Assadi, were honoured for their commendable humanitarian service, charity work, and unstinted support to Sahebaan UAE and its activities. Janab Suhail Kudroli, Altaf Khalife and Samiullah M H initiated the honoring proceedings.
One of the major highlights of the gathering was the presentation of the ‘Sahebaan Excellence Awards’ to individuals who have excelled in different fields. The awards were handed over by the patrons of Sahebaan. Among those honoured was Mohammad Akram, founder and chairman of Abu Dhabi-based ‘Al Sitara Contracting,’ who received the ‘Sahebaan Business Excellence Award’ for his contributions to the business sector. In the field of sports, Karkala’s Nasir Syed, an international superbike racing champion and owner of DSBK Superbike Racing Company, was given the ‘Sahebaan Sports Excellence Award.’
The late professor Muzaffar Hussain Assadi, a respected scholar and thinker, was posthumously awarded the ‘Sahebaan Academic Excellence Award.’ His brother, Sajjad Assadi, received the honour on his behalf. In literature, writer and poet Irshad Moodbidri was recognized with the ‘Sahebaan Literary Excellence Award,’ which was collected by his son, Nihad. Abu Dhabi-based businessmen Mohammad Asif and Sahar Mohammad Asif were awarded the ‘Sahebaan Community Service Excellence Award’ for their dedication to social causes. Their son, Abdul Ahad, accepted the award on their behalf.
The function was also graced by Janab Mohammed Muslim Koppa, director at Vartha Bharathi and fellow Sahebaan from overseas namely Janab Safiuddin Mohammed, Mumtaz Hussain, Niyamathulla Asadi and Mohammed Hussain.
Apart from these recognitions, the event also celebrated the achievements of students who had excelled in academics. The ‘Sahebaan Merit Award’ was given to students who scored above 90% in their examinations. Among those from the UAE, Faiz Anam, Mohammad Rayaan, and Mohammad Umair Suvaid Khan were felicitated for their SSLC exam results.
In the second-year pre-university exams, Muskan Fatima stood out as the Gulf topper in the commerce stream and was honoured at the event. Other high scorers, including Juveria Firoz, Siham Akbar Ali, Mohammad Rafaan, and Hiba Altaf Salah, were also recognized.
Young talents in sports were not left behind, as Mohammad Aiman, who excelled in the 4x4 100-meter relay, and Mohammad Aiz, associated with DOFA Football Association, were also honoured.
The evening was not just about awards, it was a celebration filled with cultural performances and activities, especially for children. The ‘Prince and Princess’ dress-up competition for kids under ten was a major attraction. There were performances of Indian patriotic songs, traditional Arabic dances and a beautiful dua recitation by children, adding to the festive atmosphere.
A short documentary about ‘Sahebaan’ was screened on a large LED display, giving the audience insights into the community’s history, values, and achievements. The event was hosted by Hisrar Tallani, who had specially flown in from Mangalore for the occasion. He entertained the crowd not only with his wit and humour but also engaged them with enthralling activities.
The children's programmes were coordinated by Reeha Althaf (Prince and Princess competition), Heena Kausar (Indian Patriotic Dance), Fauzia Rahil (Arabic Dance), and Fauzia Shah (Dua segment). Vote of thanks was delivered by Ajmal Mohammed.
The success of the event was made possible by the tireless efforts of the organizing committee, comprising of Afroze Assadi, Althaf M.S., Ajmal Mohammad, Altaf Khalife, Samiullah MH, 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.