Traditional Sweet
ABU DHABI: The sweet aroma of ripe mangoes filled the air as diplomats, dignitaries, and fruit lovers from around the world gathered in the UAE capital to celebrate one of Pakistan’s most beloved exports — the mango. But this wasn’t just a fruit tasting event; it was a powerful display of what officials are calling “mango diplomacy” — a creative blend of culture, commerce, and connection.
Organised by the Embassy of Pakistan in Abu Dhabi in collaboration with the Overseas Foundation Pakistan, the festival was a vibrant showcase of taste, trade, and tradition.
Attendees were treated to a variety of mango delights, from freshly sliced Sindhri and Chaunsa to mango-flavoured pastries, chutneys, smoothies, and chilled juices. Each bite carried with it the richness of Pakistani soil and the warmth of its people.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UAE, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, inaugurated the event alongside UAE dignitary Sheikh Mubarak bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Ambassador Tirmizi described the mango as “Pakistan’s ambassador of taste,” adding, “This mango is not just a fruit — it’s part of our soft diplomacy toolkit. It represents generosity, hospitality, and national pride.”
The event wasn’t just about flavour — it was about fostering international goodwill. Foreign diplomats, charmed by the mangoes’ richness and variety, offered glowing praise. Finnish Ambassador Tuula Yrjölä expressed delight, noting, “Pakistani mangoes are absolutely fabulous. They don’t taste like this in Finland — the distance changes everything.” She even admitted to freezing some for year-round enjoyment.
German Consul General Sibylle Pfaff was amazed by the diversity, saying, “In Germany, you find one or two types. Here, there are at least ten. It’s a mango festival — each one sweeter than the last.”
Romanian diplomat Silviu Jipa, with decades of experience across many countries, declared, “Everyone knows the world’s best mangoes are from Pakistan. They’re a gift — sweet like your country.”
Even a Canadian diplomat, wife of a defence attaché, admitted her surprise: “We had no idea mangoes could be so different. This was like a mango tasting tour. Every one had its own personality.”
Ali Zeb, Pakistan’s Trade Counsellor in the UAE, highlighted the commercial value behind the celebration. “Despite climate challenges, mango exports to the UAE are expected to reach $25–30 million this year. But it’s more than business — it’s about storytelling and building lasting friendships.”
Children of the Pakistani community danced and mingled with dignitaries, adding color and joy to the festive ambiance. What began as a mango tasting turned into a vibrant cultural and economic showcase — a “mango movement,” as described by Dr. Farhan of the Overseas Foundation Pakistan.
Through flavour, fragrance, and friendship, the Pakistani Mango Festival offered more than just a taste of fruit — it offered a taste of Pakistan’s soul. It was a reminder that diplomacy isn’t always written in policy — sometimes, it’s served on a plate.
