UAE remittance firm marks traditional harvest festival with employees, highlighting Kerala community’s economic and cultural contribution
DUBAI — Al Fardan Exchange marked the annual festival of Onam with celebrations across its offices in Dubai and Sharjah, featuring popular Malayalam film actor Anu Sithara as the chief guest.
The financial services provider hosted staff members and management for a series of events honoring the traditional harvest festival, which remains a central cultural occasion for the United Arab Emirates’ large Malayali expatriate population. Activities began with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, followed by the serving of the customary Onam Sadhya feast.
Addressing the gathering, Hasan Fardan Al Fardan, Chief Executive Officer of Al Fardan Exchange, highlighted the close ties between the remittance company and the Indian diaspora.
“The Kerala community is a crucial part of the UAE’s cultural and economic landscape,” Al Fardan said. “They have been our long-standing customers and a significant part of our workforce, and we deeply value their trust.”
Speaking at the event, Anu Sithara noted that the festival serves as a vital bridge for expatriates maintaining connections with their heritage.
“Onam has always been a very special festival for me because it celebrates family, gratitude, and togetherness,” Sithara said. “No matter where we are, it has a unique way of bringing us closer to our roots. I am delighted to celebrate this year’s Onam with the Al Fardan Exchange family and the Malayali community in the UAE.”
The celebrations reflect a broader trend among financial and remittance institutions in the Gulf region that routinely organize cultural outreach events for key customer demographics, particularly around major South Asian cultural observances.
