Kenya took centre stage at the Global Encounters Festival 2025 in Dubai, marking a historic moment of global unity, creativity, and sportsmanship.
Among the standout contributors was Radio Africa Group’s Jamil Alibhai Nanji, who had the honour of emceeing the festival’s Opening Ceremony, Closing Ceremony, and the highly anticipated Global Concert.
Held earlier this month, the festival brought together over
26,000 participants from more than 50 countries and 22 jurisdictions —
including athletes, artists, volunteers, and members of the global Ismaili
community.
It was the first time that Jubilee Games and Jubilee Arts, which had previously been held separately, were merged into one global celebration of sport and culture.
“This was a once-in-a-lifetime event that allowed me to
combine my love for storytelling and hosting while representing both Radio
Africa Group and Kenya on a truly international platform,” said Jamil, who also
competed in swimming, clinching two bronze medals for Team Kenya.
Kenya’s presence was felt across the board — not just in
sport, but also in the arts. Kenyan swimmers secured 18 medals, contributing to
a total of more than 30 medals for Team Kenya overall.
Kenyan artists also lit up the global stage through powerful performances in music, visual arts, and spoken word.
The Kenya Jurisdiction proudly represented several countries
in the region — including South Africa, Rwanda, Burundi, Namibia, and Eswatini
— under the leadership of Karim Pirbhai. Sports coordination was led by Nafisa
Teja, logistics by Minaz Parmar, and the arts by Shafana Kanani and Shine Nanji.
Adding prestige to the event was the attendance of members
of the Noorani Family (Imamat Family), including Prince Amyn Aga Khan, Prince
Hussain and Princess Fareen Aga Khan, and Prince Aly Muhammad Aga Khan.
Their presence served as a deep source of inspiration for the thousands in attendance.
The festival also attracted senior dignitaries from the
*United Arab Emirates.
The Opening Ceremony featured Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahyan, UAE Cabinet Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, while the Closing Ceremony was graced by His Excellency Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister for Economy and Tourism.
A special video message from His Highness the Aga Khan, the
50th Imam of the Ismaili Muslim community, was one of the festival’s most
cherished moments.
“This wasn’t just about personal milestones,” Jamil added.
“It was a proud representation of Kenya’s excellence, voice,
and spirit on a global stage.”
The Global Encounters Festival traces its roots to Nairobi,
where the first Jubilee Games were held in 2008, followed by Dubai in 2016.
The Jubilee Arts programme debuted in Portugal in 2017.
The 2025 edition marked the first time both platforms were brought together under one unified global celebration.
