The Shia Ismaili community is abuzz with excitement as around 15 million members worldwide celebrate the arrival of the Chandelier, a symbolic trophy of Global Encounters. This premier event, scheduled to take place in Dubai from July 20th to 27th, 2025, aims to unite the community from across the globe. Under the leadership of the late Prince Karim Aga Khan, the community has actively promoted diversity and pluralism in Islam, emphasizing its role in social development. Prince Karim Aga Khan was instrumental in fostering human skills, creativity, artistic work, and sports abilities, establishing institutions like the Aga Khan Youth and Sports Board, Aga Khan Award for Architecture, Aga Khan Trust for Culture, and the Aga Khan Music Award. Notably, Pakistani artists Sain Zahoor and Zarsanga were recipients of the Aga Khan Music Award in 2022.
According to Asif Abdullah Virani, a community volunteer from Hyderabad, Sindh, the present spiritual leader, Shah Rahim-Al-Hussaini, the Aga Khan V, aims to carry forward Prince Karim Aga Khan’s cultural and artistic legacy through Global Encounters. The event features two categories: Jubilee Games and Jubilee Arts, launched in 2007 and 2017 to commemorate the Golden Jubilee and Diamond Jubilee of Prince Karim Aga Khan’s leadership. Participants from around the world will showcase their skills and abilities, representing their respective countries in Dubai. Community members in Sindh are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the symbolic Chandelier, planning unique reception ceremonies with cultural festivals, dance, and stage shows. Fascinating events are currently being held in Hyderabad, Thatta, Sujawal, Tando Muhammad Khan, and Badin, while community centers and residential areas in Karachi had already hosted celebrations by professionally illuminating community centers and organizing cultural shows.
In a village in the Hyderabad district, the Chandelier was escorted by hundreds of community volunteers on an ox cart, and the unique cultural demonstration attracted a considerable number of local people. A senior community member, Abdul Karim, described Global Encounters as an event promoting peace, unity, and diverse approaches to serving society. The Shia Ismaili community’s commitment to these values is evident in their preparations for this significant event.
