Dubai now has its own walk of fame project — Dubai Stars — and the attraction’s official opening took place on Sunday at the Palace Downtown Hotel. Amongst the eight global artists who were recognized, Atif Aslam is the only Pakistani whose name was on the list.
The press conference was attended by awardees including Bollywood actor Sonam Kapoor, Emirati singer Balqees Fathi, Egyptian actor-couple Mona Zaki and Ahmad Helmi along with Atif. In total eight luminaries from the entertainment world gathered to celebrate the occasion and collect their commemorative plaques.
The pop icon is not stranger to Dubai, as he has performed in multiple concerts in the UAE. According to Khaleej Times, The performer who has lent his voice to movies such as Race (2008) and Hindi Medium (2017) can comfortably call Dubai his home base.
“It’s a very vibrant city. This is the only city I think I really enjoy myself walking on the streets. I have played for 150,000 people here, so it has a lot of good will. We, South Asians, especially Pakistanis and Indians – we’re everywhere, but this is one place where we are a lot (in number). So I really love the fact my music is heard over here,” Atif said at the press conference.
Read: I found God through music: Atif Aslam
When asked what he’ll do the first time he sees the tribute face to face, Aslam revealed he has a plan.
“I’ll just stand there and say ‘yes!’ It’s like the Hollywood Walk Of Fame so it’s quite a big deal. I have been chosen from a lot of people and I’m blessed to be among these people. It means a lot,” he added.
Atif also expressed his happiness and felt that his induction proved that music travels across borders and barriers.
“Music has always connected people and has crossed cultures. I started in Pakistan, went to India and it has now gone global,” he shared.
While describing the project at the event, the Downtown Dubai General Manager, Shymma Binbrek said, “Dubai Stars is a ‘walkable’ star-studded experience across Downtown Dubai honoring global personalities from all walks of life on their achievements and work.â€
