In a significant celebration of educational and cultural ties between the UAE and India, the UAE-based alumni of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) recently gathered at the Coral Beach Resort in Sharjah to honor Sir Syed Day, marking the birth of the university’s founder, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan. This event highlights the deep-rooted connections between AMU and the UAE, emphasizing the university’s influence and the contributions of its alumni.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al Nahyan, President of the UAE, has long been a supporter of good relations with India. His father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan, laid the groundwork for this relationship in 1975 when he visited AMU and made a generous donation aimed at establishing petroleum studies. Sheikh Zayed recognized India’s potential as a major consumer of Abu Dhabi’s oil and saw the value in leveraging its human resources for research and innovation in energy.
The legacy of Sheikh Zayed was honored during Sheikh Mohamed’s visit to India in January 2017, when the Khalifa Foundation, alongside VPS Healthcare, gifted AMU a digital accelerator worth two million dollars, enhancing cancer treatment capabilities at the university’s Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College.
The recent gathering of AMU alumni in the UAE was graced by the presence of AMU’s vice chancellor, Dr. Naima Khatoon, the first woman to hold the position. She expressed the importance of maintaining a connection with AMU, noting that Sir Syed Ahmad Khan’s vision for modern education continues to inspire countless students.
“In celebrating Sir Syed Day with our esteemed alumni here in the UAE, we honour not just the legacy of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan but also the profound connections that bind us to this remarkable nation. Together, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering knowledge and innovation, ensuring that the ideals of education and community thrive across borders,” said Dr Khatoon.
Organizer Asim Fareed emphasized that the celebration not only honored Sir Syed’s contributions but also strengthened the alumni community’s bond, showcasing AMU’s enduring impact on its graduates and society at large. “It is our way of paying tribute to Sir Syed, whose vision ensured that education thrives in India. We are also thankful to UAE for the constant support and providing us with a land of opportunities. The gathering of more than 600 alumni at one place is a celebration of the positive impact of AMU on our lives and the broader community,” Fareed added.
“Gathering with fellow AMU alumni today to celebrate Sir Syed Day is a powerful reminder of our shared commitment to education and empowerment. Together, we are not just a network; we are a family dedicated to making a positive impact in our communities and beyond,” said Qamar Sherwani, AMU Alumnus. The event featured cultural performances, discussions on the role of education in shaping futures, and opportunities for alumni to connect and collaborate on initiatives, reinforcing the significance of AMU’s global reach and the collective commitment to its mission of education and empowerment.
Salman Khan has never been one to hold back, and at a recent event in Dubai, he added his signature dose of humour to the oft-debated topic of nepotism in Bollywood. The superstar, fondly known as Sallubhai, was in town to launch his nephew Ayaan Agnihotri’s debut song, “Universal Laws”, and in true Salman style, he had the audience in splits with his witty remark.
As Dubai’s DJ Bliss – who hosted the event – praised the Khan family for their unwavering support for Ayaan, Salman quipped, “That’s what nepotism is!” His playful jab left everyone in the room in splits.
And as the crowd cheered, Salman officially launched the song, marking Ayaan’s much-anticipated entry into the music world.
A Star-Studded Affair
The event turned into a Bollywood reunion, with stars like Arbaaz Khan, Sohail Khan, Neha Dhupia, Angad Bedi, and other celebrities coming together to celebrate Ayaan’s big moment.
During his speech, Salman highlighted that Ayaan, the son of Atul Agnihotri and Alvira Khan Agnihotri (Salman’s sister), hails from a family of seasoned film producers. He also mentioned that Ayaan’s cousin, Alizeh Agnihotri, who recently made her Bollywood debut, shares the same film-driven lineage.
Ayaan and Salman’s Previous Collaboration
This isn’t the first time the uncle-nephew duo has joined forces. Salman and Ayaan previously worked together on the track, “You Are Mine”, where the young artist showcased his rap skills alongside the Bollywood megastar. The song, composed by Vishal Mishra, became a talking point among fans.
Salman & Sanjay Dutt Spotted in Saudi Arabia
Meanwhile, Salman is keeping busy with multiple projects. A recent video circulating on social media showed him and actor Sanjay Dutt filming on the streets of Saudi Arabia. The clip, shared by an X user, captured the two actors casually chatting with crew members.
The buzz is that Salman and Sanjay are working on a cameo appearance in the Bollywood remake of the 2021 Argentine film Seven Dogs. While details remain under wraps, fans are excited to see the duo share screen space again.
From family celebrations in Dubai to shooting in Saudi Arabia, Salman Khan is proving yet again that his star power knows no boundaries.
The 30th edition of Gulfood, the world’s largest annual F&B event, is underway at the Dubai World Trade Centre until February 21, 2025. Under the theme The Next Frontier in Food, this global gathering brings together industry pioneers, top chefs, and leading food brands for an unparalleled showcase of innovation, networking, and, of course, incredible flavours. Here’s what you can experience at the festival: A Feast for the senses Over 150,000 new products from more than 190 countries on display. Discover the latest trends in beverages, dairy, meat and poultry, pulses and grains, fats and oils, brands, and international cuisine. Whether you’re an industry professional or a passionate foodie, expect to see cutting-edge developments that will shape the future of food.
Unmissable highlights Gulfood Top Table – The world’s biggest live culinary showcase featuring Michelin-starred chefs, tastings, and masterclasses. YouthX Young Chef Challenge – Witness rising stars compete for culinary glory. Gulfood Innovation Awards – Recognizing groundbreaking advancements in food and beverage. Dubai World Cuisine – A celebration of homegrown talent as top chefs collaborate on unforgettable dining experiences. After hours events The excitement just doesn’t end when the exhibition doors close. Gulfood After Hours takes visitors on an exciting journey to explore Dubai’s buzzing culinary scene with exclusive restaurant offers and discounts — just flash your Gulfood ticket and you’re in for a treat. To secure a seat at these must-visit hotspots, it would be wise to book in advance. Witness food trends From manufacturers and chefs to restaurant owners and industry experts, This is where food trends will be set, deals will ne made, and the future of the F&B industry will get shaped. This is your chance to bd part of this extraordinary food revolution
One of India’s biggest movie stars, Salman Khan, is set to back his nephew Ayaan Agnihotri as he takes his first step into the music industry with a grand debut in Dubai. Performing under his stage name, Agni, Ayaan will launch his first track, Universal Laws, on February 20. The song marks his entry as a singer, composer, and rapper, and the event promises to be a star-studded celebration with Salman leading the charge. According to sources, the launch will see the presence of several famous Bollywood stars including Arbaaz Khan, Sohail Khan, Alvira Khan Agnihotri, Arpita Khan Sharma, Bobby Deol, and Sonakshi Sinha, making it one of the most glamorous musical debuts of the year. More than just a song, Universal Laws showcases Agni’s artistic versatility. As a singer, rapper, lyricist, and composer, he has infused the track with deep emotions and powerful storytelling, set to dynamic beats. The song has been produced, mixed, and mastered by Aditya Dev, ensuring a high-quality sonic experience. Following its grand launch in Dubai, Universal Laws will be available on Agni’s official YouTube channel and all major streaming platforms. Ayaan, the son of Atul Agnihotri and Salman’s sister Alvira Khan Agnihotri, has already had a taste of the industry. He previously collaborated with his uncle Salman on the track You Are Mine, composed by Vishal Mishra. The debutant shared in an earlier interview that his superstar uncle and composer Vishal had been working on the song for some time and were close to finalizing it when Salman felt it needed something extra. That’s when he reached out to Alvira, suggesting that Ayaan rap for an eight-bar section of the track. Ayaan revealed that he ‘wrote two versions of the rap in just 20 minutes, and when his uncle (Salman) heard them, he immediately asked his nephew to meet Vishal and finalise the tracks. With Salman Khan’s unwavering backing and a promising start, Agni’s musical journey is set to be an exciting one.