Fijian group Bula Pacific got the 2000 strong crowd cheering as they performed their opening song Bula UAE kei Viti talega at the 2017 Emirates Walk for Autism.

Young Melanie Adi Luita also took part in a quiz contest in which packs of our popular Fiji Water were given out, before a combined male and female item got the crowd cheering.

The Emberson trio of Kahu, Phoenix and Jordan then played a popular hit with a lively Hawaiian Hula dance before Kelepi Abariga and Jioji  Luita added their version with some energetic movements.

The singing of the Fijian farewell song Isa Lei brought the crowd to tears as they all responded to the ballad by waving their mobile phones, it was an emotional and touching ending to Fiji’s performance.

More than 2000 people took part in the Emirates Walk For Autism (EWA) at the Zabeel Park in Dubai over the weekend, representing a wide spectrum of the society including celebrities, dignitaries and officials.

Led by Autism Ambassador for Middle East Region and Founder and Chairing committee for Emirates Walk for Autism, Dr Nahida A Abdul Qader, the EWA is held annually with the support of Red Crescent. The aim is to raise awareness about autism in the UAE and encourage building and upgrading of education facilities that provide effective learning environments for all ages.

The Fijian group was spearheaded by events co-ordinator Mr Abariga and Mr Liuta.

Mr Abariga and Mr Liuta also took part in providing escort for the VIP’s and the Dubai Police Brass Band led by Major Safar Sabahi.

“This is the second year in which we have rendered our support to the cause and believe that expressing our compassion in this way is part of our work as Christians in this part of the world, which is to show love and care without any borders either through our religious beliefs or ethnicity,” Mr Abariga said.

With the famous Fijian flag draped in front of an Arabic tent, Fijian ladies Lupe Matamele, Ivamere Lia Luita, Merelesita Gadai, Lavenia Emberson and Melanie Adi Luita, welcomed the many visitors to the Bula Fiji booth by presenting them with assorted gifts including face painting and story-telling.

Feedback: jyotip@fijisun.com.fj