Pakistan's sweetest gift wins global hearts in Abu Dhabi

ABU DHABI: The fragrance of mangoes lingered in the air as diplomats, dignitaries, and mango aficionados gathered in the heart of the UAE capital to celebrate one of Pakistan’s most cherished exports — the mango.

But this wasn’t just a fruit festival. It was a masterclass in “sweet diplomacy”, where the soft power of flavour charmed the world, one juicy slice at a time.

The event served as a vibrant fusion of trade, taste, and international friendship. It was arranged by the Embassy of Pakistan in Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with the Overseas Foundation Pakistan.

From freshly sliced Sindhri to mango-infused pastries and chilled Chaunsa smoothies, the celebration offered a feast of flavours that sent taste buds on a delightful journey straight to the orchards of Punjab and Sindh.

Mangoes — the new diplomats

Pakistan Ambassador to UAE Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, who inaugurated the event alongside UAE’s Sheikh Mubarak bin Sultan Al Nahyan, said: "This mango is not just a fruit – it’s Pakistan’s ambassador of taste."

Ambassador Tirmizi called mango an essential part of Pakistan’s soft diplomacy toolkit. "Pakistan is the fourth-largest exporter of mangoes globally. Our mangoes are a symbol of love, generosity, and hospitality," he added.

'Sweet like your country'

The star attraction wasn’t just the fruit – it was the cascade of heartfelt reactions from foreign diplomats who found themselves deeply charmed, and even a little addicted, to the mangoes of Pakistan.

“Absolutely delicious,” beamed Tuula Yrjölä, the Ambassador of Finland to the UAE and Bahrain.

“Mangoes are my favourite fruit to begin with, and Pakistani mangoes are absolutely fabulous. In Finland, they don’t taste the same — the distance makes a difference. That’s why I’m freezing some here in my freezer so I can enjoy them in smoothies and desserts throughout the year!”

German Consul General in Dubai, Sibylle Pfaff, was equally delighted, marvelling at the variety: “Mangoes have always been one of my favourite fruits, but the range I’ve seen here is just fantastic — sweet, savoury, everything! In Germany, you might find one or two kinds in the supermarket. But here? Five, six, ten types! It’s a festival of taste.”

From Europe’s north to Eastern Europe’s warmth, admiration continued to pour in. Silviu Jipa, the veteran Romanian diplomat and current head of consular services in Abu Dhabi, spoke with charm and affection.

“I’ve worked in many countries over my 38-year career, and I can say — Pakistan always succeeds in promoting mangoes. Everyone knows the sweetest and most wonderful mangoes are from Pakistan. You promote this fruit like a gift — it’s sweet like your country.”

From across the Atlantic, a Canadian diplomat — wife of the Canadian Embassy’s Defence Attaché — shared her surprise: “Back home, we don’t get to taste so many types of mangoes. We think all mangoes are the same. But here, when you try five or six side by side, you realise they each have their own personality. This was like a mango tasting tour — each one better than the last.”

Sweetest business: Juicing up trade, diplomacy

Ali Zeb, Trade Counsellor of Pakistan in the UAE, added the economic context behind the sweetness: “Despite climate challenges this year, mango exports to the UAE alone are expected to reach $25–30 million.

But this is not just about trade — it’s about the warmth that mangoes bring, the stories they tell, and the friendships they foster.”

The festival was more than a tasting – it was a full sensory celebration. Juices, cakes, pastries, chutneys, and mango-infused delicacies wowed guests with their creativity.

Children of the Pakistani community danced and mingled with diplomats, creating a colourful scene that blended culture with commerce.

Dr Farhan of the Overseas Foundation Pakistan noted: “What began as a simple mango tasting has evolved into a trade and cultural showcase. This is a mango movement.”

In the end, what began as slices of fruit became slices of diplomacy — sweet, soft, and impossible to resist.

The Pakistani Mango Festival didn’t just celebrate a harvest; it showcased how a country can tell its story not just through policies and politics, but through flavour, fragrance, and friendship.