A simple act during severe weather has transformed the life of a young Nepali expat in the UAE, with her employer naming a special coffee after her and pledging to share a portion of its profits following her viral moment.
Priya Shivakoti, a 21-year-old employee at Key Cafe in Al Ain, gained widespread attention after a video showed her stepping into heavy rain and thunderstorms to lift a UAE flag that had fallen to the ground.
The clip quickly spread across social media, drawing praise from Emiratis and residents who applauded what they described as a spontaneous display of respect for the national flag.
Viral moment captured by a customer
According to Priya, she had no idea that anyone was filming when she went outside to retrieve the flag.
A customer waiting in a car to collect an order recorded the moment and later shared the footage online. Priya said she acted instinctively after strong winds knocked over the flagpole.
The young cafe employee was seen struggling against the weather while holding the heavy pole with one hand and trying to keep her cap in place with the other. Her colleagues had urged her to return inside because of the unstable conditions, but she continued until another staff member came to assist.
What followed was an overwhelming response online.
The video received thousands of reactions, while residents from different parts of the UAE began visiting the cafe to meet Priya and support the business.
From a visit to the UAE to building a new life
Priya first arrived in the UAE as a tourist in 2023. The experience left a lasting impression on her, particularly the country’s hospitality, culture and lifestyle.
After returning, she decided to pursue an opportunity to work in the Emirates and began her career as a waitress in a restaurant.
A hotel management graduate from Nepal, Priya joined Key Cafe in Al Ain’s Al Fou’ah area around four months before the viral incident.
Her growing popularity has now brought visitors to the cafe specifically to meet her.
In one memorable encounter, an Emirati visitor reportedly presented her with a gift and thanked her personally for the gesture shown in the viral video.
Key Cafe launches the Priya V60
The cafe has since decided to honour Priya in a more permanent way by introducing a special drink in her name.
Called the Priya V60, the limited-edition beverage was created specifically in recognition of her actions during the storm. The mixed-fruit coffee drink is priced at Dh35.
Key Cafe has also announced that a percentage of the profits from sales of the drink will be given to Priya.
The management said the new product was introduced following strong public interest and as a way to recognise the respect Priya showed towards one of the UAE’s national symbols.
The cafe’s manager, Mohammad Adeel, said the viral video had also contributed to an increase in business, with many people now visiting specifically to support Priya and the cafe.
Cafe sees increased support after viral video
Key Cafe is a small family business with seven employees, all of whom have stood behind Priya as her story gained national attention.
Priya said her colleagues, who are all older than her, have continuously supported and encouraged her.
The recognition has brought unexpected attention to the young expat, who says she is grateful for the response from both the UAE community and her workplace.
For her, however, the viral fame was never the intention.
Her decision to pick up the fallen UAE flag was made in a matter of seconds, without any expectation that the moment would be recorded or shared online.
A dream to bring her family to the UAE
Beyond the viral video and public recognition, Priya remains focused on her future.
Her biggest personal goal is to bring her parents and younger sister to the UAE and provide them with a better life.
The response to her story has already given her an unexpected platform and brought new attention to the cafe where she works.
What began as a brief act in the middle of a rainstorm has now become a story of community appreciation, respect and the opportunities that have shaped Priya’s journey in the UAE.
For Key Cafe, the Priya V60 is more than a new addition to the menu. It is a tribute to a young worker whose instinctive gesture resonated with people across the country.
And for Priya, the moment has turned a regular workday in Al Ain into an experience she is unlikely to forget.
