A 21-year-old expat has captured social media attention after a video showed her risking heavy rain and thunderstorms to pick up a fallen UAE flag.
What began as a simple trip to the UAE has turned into an outpouring of support and appreciation for Priya Shivakoti, who has found a sense of home away from home in the country. The 21-year-old Nepali expatriate, who works at a café in Al Ain, went viral on social media after a video showed her braving thunderstorms and heavy rain to retrieve a fallen UAE flag.
The clip quickly attracted thousands of likes, with citizens and residents praising Shivakoti for her actions. Many viewed the gesture as a reflection of the sense of duty, respect and loyalty that can develop among those who live in the UAE, regardless of nationality.
Speaking about the incident, Priya said she had no idea she was being filmed while retrieving the fallen flag during the rainy weather.
“A customer who was waiting to pick up his order in his car recorded the video and posted it online. I did not think twice before picking up the flag; it was instinctive for me. It did not feel right to see it lying on the ground after the strong winds had knocked it over,” she said.
Despite her colleagues urging her to return inside the café as the weather worsened, Priya remained composed. She picked up the heavy flagpole with one hand while using the other to hold onto her cap. Another staff member then stepped in to help her carry the flag back inside.
The sudden attention has not been the only surprise for Priya. The café where she works has also responded warmly to the viral moment. Key Cafe, located in Al Fou’ah, Al Ain, has named a coffee after her — the ‘Priya V60’ — and announced plans to share a percentage of the drink’s profits with her.
Came to UAE as a tourist, stayed to build a life
Priya’s journey in the UAE began with a visit as a tourist. Impressed by the country’s hospitality, culture and lifestyle, she decided to stay and build a life there.
“In 2023, I came here for a visit and loved the place. I then got a job and started working as a waitress in a restaurant,” she said.
Priya, who holds a degree in hotel management from Nepal, joined Key Cafe just four months before the viral video was recorded.
The sudden attention has since attracted visitors from across the UAE, with some travelling all the way to Al Ain to meet her and support the café.
“There are now people who are travelling all the way to Al Ain just to see me and support the business of our cafe,” she said.
In one instance, an Emirati man visited Priya, presented her with a gift and thanked her for her actions, praising her spirit.
“It is these people that we are proud of in the UAE,” he told her.
Priya now hopes to bring her parents and younger sister to the UAE and provide them with a better life.
Cafe sales rise, with drink profits going to Priya
Following the viral video, Key Cafe announced plans to introduce a special drink named after Priya and share a percentage of its sales proceeds with her.
“In response to the wishes of the community to honour our employee and in recognition of the admirable act of our employee Priya, and as an expression of our gratitude for the respect and appreciation she showed toward the flag of the UAE, Key Cafe is pleased to announce the launch of a special flavour named in her honour — Priya V60,” the café said.
The Priya V60, a mixed-fruit coffee drink, is being offered for a limited time at Dh35. The café had not previously offered a drink of this kind and created the special beverage specifically to honour Priya.
“At Key Cafe, we believe that respect for the symbols of our nation and meaningful acts like this deserve to be recognised and honoured,” the café said.
Cafe manager Mohammad Adeel, who has worked at the establishment for six years, said sales of the special drink, as well as overall business at the café, have increased since the video went viral.
“People are coming here specifically to see her. We are very proud of what she did. She deserves this recognition,” he said.
The family-run café employs seven workers, all older than Priya, who have continued to encourage her and express their pride in her actions.
“I am really grateful to them for looking out for me and always supporting me,” Priya said.
