The Indian diaspora in Abu Dhabi is filled with excitement to greet Prime Minister Modi who is set to be in UAE today for a two-day visit to the country. He will also address the Indians in the country at Abu Dhabi's Zayed Sports City Stadium during the 'Ahlan Modi' event which is expected to witness a gathering of around 65,000 attendees. A few volunteers of the Indian diaspora were spotted singing 'Baar baar chahiye Modiji' while waiting for him at the stadium.
A member of the Indian diaspora and a volunteer at the event, Ved Prakash said that this was a major milestone in the India-UAE relations. "We are a team of 1500 people who are working in different departments...It rained heavily yesterday but the weather is clear today...Everyone is eagerly waiting for PM Modi...It is a proud moment for Indians.." he said.
Another member of the Indian diaspora Abdul Jaleel said "...we are super excited to welcome PM Narendra Modi here. We are expecting around 60,000 people here. Around 1,000 artists are going to perform here at the cultural event. People have started coming here from all over the UAE...The India-UAE relations are at peak..."
PM Modi is scheduled to engage in a bilateral meeting with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE. Additionally, he will meet with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who serves as the Vice-President, Prime Minister, and Defence Minister of the UAE. In a statement before leaving for UAE, PM Modi said that his visit aims to "further enhance India's bilateral relations" with the UAE.
In addition to inaugurating the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, PM Modi will also deliver a keynote address at the World Government Summit 2004 as the Guest of Honour.