Expats celebrate Indonesia's 73rd Independence Day in Dubai

An estimated 100,000 Indonesians are currently living and working in the UAE.

With strong patriotic fervour, Indonesian expats celebrated their country's 73rd Independence Day at the Indonesian Consulate in Dubai on Friday.
According to official figures, an estimated 100,000 Indonesians are currently living and working in the UAE; with 52,000 of them based in Dubai and the Northern Emirates.
 

#MerdekaIndonesia - #Indonesian expats celebrate their 73rd Independence Day at the Indonesian Consulate in #Dubai. (Photos by Shihab/Khaleej Times) pic.twitter.com/upXWPO0eit
- Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) August 17, 2018

 

#MerdekaIndonesia #Indonesian Consul-General Ridwan Hassan greets his compatriots during the celebration of Indonesia's 73rd Independence Day at the Indonesian Consulate in Dubai. (Photos by Shihab/Khaleej Times) pic.twitter.com/vUoWDaIz74
- Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) August 17, 2018

 
"The UAE and Indonesia have always maintained strong ties since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1976," said Ridwan Hassan, the new Indonesian Consul-General, told Khaleej Times.
"Indonesia's growing economic relations with the UAE are a product of the mutual support given by both countries," added Hassan, who took helm at the Indonesian Consulate in Dubai on August 1.


He told Khaleej Times that he sees his posting in Dubai as an opportunity to boost trade relations between the UAE and Indonesia. "Dubai is one of the most important economic hubs of the world. 
"One of my focus here is to improve our existing good economic relations with the country," he underlined.
The two countries announced targeting a significant increase in bilateral trade to $5.5 billion after they signed an agreement to harmonise standards for halal products.
angel@khaleejtimes.com

Consul-General Ridwan Hassan greets his compatriots during the celebration of Indonesia’s 73rd Independence Day at the Indonesian Consulate in Dubai.

• Dubai

Angel Tesorero

• angel@khaleejtimes.com