Pakistanis red-faced as UAE's Burj Khalifa skips nation's flag display on Independence Day

Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, skipped the illumination of the Pakistani national flag on the occasion of the country's Independence Day on August 14. Pakistanis who gathered near the building were left disappointed as the Burj Khalifa building which consists of 163 floors and dons the world's largest LED screens with an area of 32,400 square meters, did not light up with the Pakistani flag at 12 am.

The UAE-based building facade is known for lighting up the colours of the flag of the countries worldwide on special occasions such as Independence Day. It, however, did not light up the Pakistani flag leaving the Pakistani citizens residing in the UAE upset and surprised. 

In the visuals circulating on social media, humongous Pakistani turnout assembled near the Burj Khalifa for the iconic landmark to display the colours of their national flag. But they were left heartbroken as the building remained unlit and dark. Even as Pakistanis waited for several minutes, the projections of the Pakistani flag did not light up on the display screen long after the midnight hour. Many watchers had gathered with their smartphones in order to shoot the videos for their social media platforms. But they were frustrated after the building did not light up. The Pakistani citizens chanted slogans of "Pakistan Zindabad" on the scene, instead. 

“The time is now 12:01 am, and the authorities in Dubai have conveyed that the Burj Khalifa will not be illuminated with Pakistan’s national flag. Regrettably, this is where our nation stands," a woman on the scene was heard saying in the video. “Despite the spirited rallying of Pakistani nationals present here, the Burj Khalifa remains untouched by the hues of the Pakistani flag. A disheartening occurrence indeed; it appears that a rather cruel jest has been played upon the entirety of the Pakistani populace," she added.

“We want our flag on Burj Khalifa," the Pakistanis gathered on the scene yelled. 

Russian flag on Burj Khalifa despite West's effort to isolate Moscow in response to Ukraine war

Last month, the Burj Khalifa tower was illuminated in the Russian flag colours on the occasion of Russia Day despite the United States and the European nations' efforts to isolate Moscow globally for its ongoing war in Ukraine.  "Tonight [June 12]  Burj Khalifa celebrates the rich history, vibrant culture and remarkable achievements of Russia. Wishing the Russian nation a memorable celebration and a future paved with unity and prosperity," the post on Instagram read. The Russian flag colours were also seen illuminated on the building of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC). "ADNOC's building in Abu Dhabi lights up with the colours of the Russia flag in celebration of Russia Day," the tweet read.