Burj Khalifa to Shine in India’s Tricolour on 79th Independence Day: A Symbol of Pride for Indians in UAE

August 13, 2025 Ashish Rana

India’s Independence Day is a moment of immense pride for Indians around the globe. Every year, celebrations are not confined to the nation’s borders but resonate worldwide wherever Indian communities thrive. Among the most iconic tributes comes from Dubai — home to one of the largest expatriate Indian populations. This year, on Friday, August 15, 2025, the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, will once again illuminate in the vibrant saffron, white, and green of the Indian national flag, symbolising unity, pride, and the deep bond between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The tricolour lighting on the Burj Khalifa has now become a tradition eagerly awaited by millions, making it not just a visual spectacle, but also a heartfelt gesture of friendship between two nations.

Burj Khalifa’s Special Independence Day Tribute

The lighting ceremony is scheduled for 7:50 PM local time on August 15. As reported by the Indian Consulate in Dubai, preparations have been in full swing to ensure that this year’s display captures the spirit of patriotism. The Burj Khalifa’s LED facade will project the Indian flag in all its glory, making the night sky of Dubai glow with national pride.

But it’s not just the Burj Khalifa — according to Gulf News, several other landmarks in the UAE are also expected to light up in the Indian tricolour this year. This includes prominent cultural and commercial buildings, turning the UAE skyline into a canvas of Indian celebration.

Significance for the Indian Diaspora in UAE

With over 3.5 million Indians living and working in the UAE, the country is home to one of the largest Indian communities outside India. For them, Independence Day celebrations are not just about nostalgia; they are about reaffirming cultural roots while embracing life abroad.

When the tricolour shines on the Burj Khalifa, it becomes a visual reminder of identity and belonging. Many expatriates gather near the Dubai Mall and the Burj Khalifa fountains to witness the event, often waving Indian flags, wearing traditional attire, and singing the national anthem together. For those living thousands of kilometres away from their homeland, this spectacle bridges the emotional gap.

India–UAE Relations: A Growing Partnership

The lighting of the Burj Khalifa is also symbolic of the strong diplomatic and economic ties between India and the UAE. Over the last decade, the two nations have strengthened their relationship in multiple sectors — trade, energy, infrastructure, tourism, and cultural exchange.

The UAE is among India’s top trading partners, and Indian workers contribute significantly to the UAE’s economy. This mutual interdependence has fostered an environment of goodwill, reflected in such gestures during India’s national celebrations.

The Power of Symbolism in Global Celebrations

When a landmark like the Burj Khalifa — an architectural marvel recognised worldwide — honours India’s Independence Day, it sends a message beyond just the Indian community. It demonstrates how cultural respect and inclusivity can foster peace and unity among nations.

In recent years, the Burj Khalifa has lit up for numerous occasions — from New Year’s celebrations to special national days of various countries. However, for Indians, the tricolour illumination holds a unique emotional significance, serving as a beacon of patriotism in a foreign land.

Independence Day Celebrations Beyond India

India’s Independence Day celebrations have expanded globally due to its diaspora. From the Sydney Opera House in Australia to Niagara Falls in Canada, major landmarks across the world have been illuminated in the Indian tricolour in previous years. These global tributes reflect India’s cultural influence and the contributions of its people in various parts of the world.

In the UAE, aside from the Burj Khalifa event, celebrations often include flag-hoisting ceremonies at Indian consulates, cultural programs featuring music and dance, and community gatherings. Local businesses, especially those owned by Indian entrepreneurs, also join the celebration with special Independence Day offers and decorations.

Tourism and Economic Impact

Events like the Burj Khalifa tricolour lighting are more than symbolic — they also have a tourism impact. Many visitors plan trips around such celebrations, knowing they’ll witness a once-a-year spectacle. Hotels and restaurants near Downtown Dubai often report an increase in bookings during this period, with many offering Independence Day-themed menus and events.

Social media further amplifies the celebration, with thousands of photographs and videos shared online, reaching millions worldwide and adding to Dubai’s reputation as a global cultural hub.

Technology Behind the Lighting

The Burj Khalifa’s lighting system is a feat of engineering. Its facade features over 1.2 million LED lights, capable of producing intricate patterns and vibrant colours visible from miles away. The tricolour display is carefully programmed to ensure accurate representation of the saffron, white, and green hues, along with the navy blue Ashoka Chakra.

Technicians and designers work weeks in advance to create a flawless projection, ensuring that the event is as visually striking as it is meaningful.

A Moment of Reflection and Pride

For many Indians in the UAE, the Burj Khalifa lighting is not just a photo opportunity — it’s a moment to reflect on India’s journey since independence in 1947. It’s a reminder of the struggles, sacrifices, and achievements that have shaped the nation into the vibrant democracy it is today.

In a rapidly globalising world, such celebrations are also a testament to the idea that patriotism doesn’t diminish with distance. Whether in Delhi or Dubai, the heart of every Indian beats with the same pride when the national flag is honoured.

A Beacon of Unity and Pride Across Borders

The lighting of Dubai’s Burj Khalifa in the Indian tricolour on India’s 79th Independence Day is more than an aesthetic display — it’s a bridge between cultures, a symbol of enduring friendship, and a source of pride for millions of Indians abroad. It reminds us that patriotism transcends geography and that the spirit of independence can shine brightly no matter where you are in the world.

As the saffron, white, and green cascade down the world’s tallest building this August 15, it will not only illuminate Dubai’s skyline but also the hearts of Indians everywhere, reinforcing the timeless truth — India is not just a place on the map; it’s a feeling that lives within us, wherever we go.