Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said he looks forward to meeting the Indian diaspora in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as he is set to embark upon a two-day visit to the nation. Modi will meet the Indian diaspora at an event called ‘Ahlan Modi’ in Abu Dhabi’s Zayed Sports City Stadium. “We are very proud of our diaspora and their efforts to deepen India’s engagement with the world. This evening, I look forward to being among UAE’s Indian diaspora at the Ahlan Modi programme! Do join this memorable occasion,” the prime minister wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
We are very proud of our diaspora and their efforts to deepen India’s engagement with the world. This evening, I look forward to being among UAE’s Indian diaspora at the #AhlanModi programme! Do join this memorable occasion. https://t.co/CmyTBalEyY
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 13, 2024
What is Ahlan Modi? ‘Ahlan Modi’ or Hello Modi is the biggest Indian community summit to honour PM Modi in UAE.
The Zayed stadium glittering with welcoming lights ; all dressed up to welcome PM Narendra Modi
— Ahlan Modi (@AhlanModi2024) February 12, 2024
Let’s get the party started !! 🇮🇳🇦🇪🇮🇳🇦🇪🇮🇳🇦🇪#ahlanmodi #indiansinuae #viksitbharat
See you all in a few hours!!!! pic.twitter.com/qtuy7eKecI
The event is expected to be attended by 2,500 people despite inclement weather in the region. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the UAE is home to about 3.5 million Indians. The head of communications of the ‘Ahlan Modi’ event, Nishi Singh told ANI, “‘The inclement weather hasn’t dampened the spirit of Indians in the UAE; over two and a half thousand of them turned up for full-ground rehearsals of the cultural program and briefing as volunteers yesterday, despite heavy rains.” “It’s clear that the weather is not going to come in the way of the unique community-driven summit to celebrate Indo-UAE friendship in a grand way and give a resounding welcome to PM,” she said. The event will showcase India’s rich cultural diversity, exhibiting works of over 700 artists.
Salute the spirit of #ahlanmodi volunteers ; after a long day of rehearsals at the stadium , still dancing on their way home. So much excitement on having #ModiInUAE #ahlanmodi2024 #indiansinuae@cgidubai @narendramodi @PMOIndia @IndembAbuDhabi pic.twitter.com/GDtfbxj89b
— Ahlan Modi (@AhlanModi2024) February 12, 2024
Last week, over 65,000 people registered themselves for the event but participation has been strictly restricted owing to limited seating arrangements at the stadium. Over 150 groups from the Indian community will participate in the event and focus on India’s diversity as well as the integration of blue-collar workers from across UAE.