Abu Dhabi : With terror and investments high on his agenda for talks with the UAE leadership, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday began his two-day trip to this strategic Gulf nation with a visit to the historic Sheikh Zayed Grand mosque, the world’s third largest.
Within hours of his arrival in the UAE capital for the visit, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 34 years, Modi went around the mosque’s 180,000 sq ft courtyard which has an exquisite floral design. It is considered to be the largest example of marble mosaic in the world.
The Prime Minister, wearing a kurta with a cream and red stole, spent about 40 minutes at the mosque, built at an estimated cost of USD 545 million, evincing interest at the imposing 82 domes in seven sizes located inside the worshipping place. “I am delighted to visit this magnificent place of worship, strikes with its size and beauty. It
brings together requisite skills and creation from around the world and serves as a fine example of human achievement and unity. I am confident that it will be a symbol of peace, piety, harmony and inclusiveness that are inherent to the faith of Islam,” Modi wrote on the visitor’s book.
The Prime Minister was earlier warmly received by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi along with his five brothers at the airport, in a departure from protocol. The last dignitary to be received by him was the King of Morocco in May this year.
Soon after his arrival, Modi tweeted, “Hello UAE. I am very optimistic about this visit. I am confident the outcomes of the visit will boost India-UAE ties.” He also tweeted the message in Arabic.
Modi said, “I deeply appreciate kind gesture of his Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who received me at the airport.” The Prime Minister was also accorded a ceremonial reception at the airport.
Ahead of his talks with the Emirati leadership on Monday, Modi said he wanted to see the UAE as India’s foremost partner in trade and in countering terrorism, noting that both countries have a range of common security and strategic concerns in the region, including extremism.”We have a range of common security and strategic concerns in the region, including terrorism and extremism. So India and UAE have everything to be a top priority for each other. This is the way I look at the UAE. The Gulf region is vital for India’s economic, energy and security interests,” he said in an interview to Khaleej Times.
Apart from discussions with the Crown Prince, who is also the Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, Modi will also hold talks with Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on Monday.
Modi, during the visit, will reach out to investors to promote India as an attractive business destination.
After holding talks with the Crown Prince here on Monday, the Prime Minister will fly to Dubai, where he will stay for just few hours, which will be packed with a meeting with Sheikh Mohammed, the vice president and the Prime Minister of the UAE and a visit to world’s tallest tower Burj Khalifa which stands at 2,722 feet and has 154 usable floors.
Before flying back to Delhi, Modi will also address the Indian community at the Dubai Cricket Ground, where over 50,000 expatriates are expected to be present.
PM Narendra Modi takes a selfie with Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, during his visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque on the first day of his visit
