World Zoroastrian Congress Opens in Dubai Today
28 December 2009
DUBAI – The global Zoroastrian diaspora will converge in Dubai for a four-day congress, starting today.
The 9th World Zoroastrian Congress will mark a reunion of Zoroastrians (Parsees) from six continents, culminating in a New Year Eve party.
‘Unity Through the Sands of Time’ is the theme of the Congress, which brings together Zoroastrians from all over the world to work together for the global good and the good of the community, and promote business, solidarity, welfare and progress.
Indian Ambassador to the UAE Dr Talmiz Ahmad will speak on ‘New Approaches to Global Economic Interactions’ while Consul-General Venu Rajamony, will speak on ‘Unity in Diversity’.
“It is only apt that Dubai has been chosen as the global meeting point for Zoroastrians – a community known for its spirit of enterprise, magnanimity, unity despite the diversity of its diaspora and, above all, its resilience in the face of challenges. Dubai, indeed, reflects this spirit,” said Meher Bhesania, Dubai-based banker and businesswoman who is also the Congress chair.
Shaikh Hasher Maktoum Juma Al Maktoum, Director of Information, Government of Dubai, will be present on the opening day, underscoring the close ties between the emirate and the community.
Shaikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, will open the trade show that will be part of the Congress on the second day.
UK-based industrialist Lord Karan Billimoria, CBE, DL will deliver the keynote address and among the participants will be Nadir Godrej, Managing Director, Godrej Industries Ltd; Neville Shroff, Chairman of Shroff & Co, Hong Kong and Chairman of Asia Committee, General Chamber of Commerce Hong Kong; and Dr Ekhtiary, Member of the Parliament for Zoroastrians in Iran.
