• Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, after his speech during the Ahlan Modi event at Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi on February 13. All photos: Pawan Singh / The National
    Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, after his speech during the Ahlan Modi event at Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi on February 13. All photos: Pawan Singh / The National
  • Mr Modi addresses the crowd at the event
    Mr Modi addresses the crowd at the event
  • The Prime Minister of India waves to the crowd after his speech
    The Prime Minister of India waves to the crowd after his speech
  • Thousands packed into the Ahlan Modi event held at Zayed Sports City stadium in Abu Dhabi
    Thousands packed into the Ahlan Modi event held at Zayed Sports City stadium in Abu Dhabi
  • A colourful parade featuring dancers kept the crowd entertained in the hours leading up to the arrival of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi
    A colourful parade featuring dancers kept the crowd entertained in the hours leading up to the arrival of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi
  • People danced and sang along to popular Bollywood songs
    People danced and sang along to popular Bollywood songs
  • Mr Modi was to address 40,000 citizens at 6pm at the Alhan Modi event at Zayed Sports City in the capital
    Mr Modi was to address 40,000 citizens at 6pm at the Alhan Modi event at Zayed Sports City in the capital
  • It is part of his two-day UAE tour during which he will also speak at the World Governments Summit in Dubai on Wednesday, before inaugurating Abu Dhabi's landmark Hindu temple later that day
    It is part of his two-day UAE tour during which he will also speak at the World Governments Summit in Dubai on Wednesday, before inaugurating Abu Dhabi's landmark Hindu temple later that day
  • A festival atmosphere at the venue where the Indian Prime Minister was due to speak
    A festival atmosphere at the venue where the Indian Prime Minister was due to speak
  • Visitors from all over India packed out the venue in Abu Dhabi ahead of Mr Modi's speech at 6pm
    Visitors from all over India packed out the venue in Abu Dhabi ahead of Mr Modi's speech at 6pm
  • Indian expats in the Emirates, as well as those who travelled to the UAE to hear the speech, chanted 'Modi, Modi' hours before his arrival
    Indian expats in the Emirates, as well as those who travelled to the UAE to hear the speech, chanted 'Modi, Modi' hours before his arrival
  • Many wore the colours of the Indian flag to mark the occasion
    Many wore the colours of the Indian flag to mark the occasion

Modi hails 'historic bond' between UAE and India at Ahlan Modi event in Abu Dhabi


Ramola Talwar Badam
  • English
  • Arabic

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the "historic bond" between the UAE and India in a speech on Tuesday.

Mr Modi addressed 40,000 Indian citizens at the Ahlan Modi event at Zayed Sports City Stadium on Tuesday evening.

It comes as part of his two-day visit to the UAE, where he will also speak at the World Governments Summit in Dubai on Wednesday, before inaugurating Abu Dhabi's flagship Hindu temple later in the day.

Mr Modi arrived at the stadium shortly after 7pm on Tuesday to cheers from a crowd of tens of thousands of Indian expats living in the UAE, and some who travelled overseas to see him.

Narendra Modi delivered his speech to 40,000 Indian citizens in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. Pawan Singh / The National
Narendra Modi delivered his speech to 40,000 Indian citizens in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. Pawan Singh / The National

The national anthems of the UAE and India were played as Mr Modi greeted the crowed by saying "Namaskar".

During his speech, Mr Modi said India was proud of the expats who have created history in Abu Dhabi.

"You have come here from different parts of the UAE and from different corners of India but we are all united," he said.

"I have come here to meet my family crossing the seas.

"I have come bearing a message from your countrymen in India, that people in India are proud of you. Bharat is proud of you," he said.

Mr Modi also used his speech to recall fond memories of meeting President Sheikh Mohamed during a visit to the UAE in 2015.

He said he could not forget how Sheikh Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi at the time, came to receive him at the airport with his brothers.

"I felt like it was meeting family," Mr Modi said. "This was not a greeting for me alone but for each and every Indian."

He then spoke of the President greeting him at the airport for his current visit.

"I have visited the UAE seven times and today Sheikh Mohamed came to meet me at the airport. I'm touched and honoured," he said.

Visitors during the Ahlan Modi event held up signs to support Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Pawan Singh / The National
Visitors during the Ahlan Modi event held up signs to support Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Pawan Singh / The National

Mr Modi said Sheikh Mohamed praised the contributions of Indian citizens to the UAE.

"Sheikh Mohamed has come to India four times and he was welcomed by people who came on to the roads," he said.

"When I meet my brother Sheikh Mohamed, he always praises you. He praises your contribution in the progress of the UAE."

Mr Modi also said that when a proposal was made to build a temple in Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed "agreed immediately".

"The time has come to inaugurate the temple," Mr Modi said.

The Indian Prime Minister ended his speech by affirming India's wish to continue its strong bond with the UAE.

"The connection between our nations is historic and it is our wish that this continues in the future.

"Keep making the bonds between the UAE and India strong. And I thank you for coming here."

The event began with families across the Emirates chanting "Modi, Modi" hours before his arrival.

Some told The National they had arrived at the venue as early as 10.30am.

Families and people from all over India danced and sang along with popular Bollywood songs at the Ahlan Modi community event.

A colourful parade and performances by dancers kept crowds entertained and some of those attending wore the colours of the Indian flag, or had it painted on their faces.

Earlier in the day, Mr Modi was received by Sheikh Mohamed at the Presidential Airport in Abu Dhabi, where an official ceremony was held for his arrival.

Mr Modi will join Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani at the World Governments Summit on Wednesday, before inaugurating the Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi.

President Sheikh Mohamed receives Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi – in pictures

  • President Sheikh Mohamed and Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, inspect the UAE Armed Forces Honour Guard during a reception at the Presidential Airport on February 13. Abdulla Al Bedwawi / Presidential Court
    President Sheikh Mohamed and Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, inspect the UAE Armed Forces Honour Guard during a reception at the Presidential Airport on February 13. Abdulla Al Bedwawi / Presidential Court
  • Sheikh Mohamed embraces Mr Modi. Mohamed Al Hammadi / Presidential Court
    Sheikh Mohamed embraces Mr Modi. Mohamed Al Hammadi / Presidential Court
  • The UAE Armed Forces Honour Guard participates in a reception for Mr Modi at the Presidential Airport, Abu Dhabi. Abdulla Al Bedwawi / Presidential Court
    The UAE Armed Forces Honour Guard participates in a reception for Mr Modi at the Presidential Airport, Abu Dhabi. Abdulla Al Bedwawi / Presidential Court
  • Sheikh Mohamed and Mr Modi stand for the national anthems. Abdulla Al Bedwawi / Presidential Court
    Sheikh Mohamed and Mr Modi stand for the national anthems. Abdulla Al Bedwawi / Presidential Court
  • The UAE Armed Forces Honour Guard. Abdulla Al Bedwawi / Presidential Court
    The UAE Armed Forces Honour Guard. Abdulla Al Bedwawi / Presidential Court
  • Ali Al Shamsi, Secretary General of the Supreme Council for National Security, attends the reception. Abdulla Al Bedwawi / Presidential Court
    Ali Al Shamsi, Secretary General of the Supreme Council for National Security, attends the reception. Abdulla Al Bedwawi / Presidential Court
  • The two leaders in talks. Ryan Carter / Presidential Court
    The two leaders in talks. Ryan Carter / Presidential Court
  • Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed, National Security Adviser and Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi, speaks to India’s Foreign Minister Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. Abdulla Al Bedwawi / Presidential Court
    Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed, National Security Adviser and Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi, speaks to India’s Foreign Minister Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. Abdulla Al Bedwawi / Presidential Court
  • Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court. Abdulla Al Bedwawi / Presidential Court
    Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court. Abdulla Al Bedwawi / Presidential Court
  • Sheikh Mohamed and Mr Modi attend the launch of the Rupay / Jaywan digital debit card during the reception. Ryan Carter / Presidential Court
    Sheikh Mohamed and Mr Modi attend the launch of the Rupay / Jaywan digital debit card during the reception. Ryan Carter / Presidential Court
  • Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Co-operation, exchanges a document of agreement between India and the UAE, relating to the Bilateral Investment Treaty. Ryan Carter / Presidential Court
    Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Co-operation, exchanges a document of agreement between India and the UAE, relating to the Bilateral Investment Treaty. Ryan Carter / Presidential Court
  • Sheikh Mohamed bids farewell to the Indian Prime Minister after the reception at the Presidential Airport. Ryan Carter / Presidential Court
    Sheikh Mohamed bids farewell to the Indian Prime Minister after the reception at the Presidential Airport. Ryan Carter / Presidential Court
  • Sheikh Mohamed waves Mr Modi's car off as his official guest is driven away. Mohamed Al Hammadi / Presidential Court
    Sheikh Mohamed waves Mr Modi's car off as his official guest is driven away. Mohamed Al Hammadi / Presidential Court

Turkish Ladies

Various artists, Sony Music Turkey 

Citizenship-by-investment programmes

United Kingdom

The UK offers three programmes for residency. The UK Overseas Business Representative Visa lets you open an overseas branch office of your existing company in the country at no extra investment. For the UK Tier 1 Innovator Visa, you are required to invest £50,000 (Dh238,000) into a business. You can also get a UK Tier 1 Investor Visa if you invest £2 million, £5m or £10m (the higher the investment, the sooner you obtain your permanent residency).

All UK residency visas get approved in 90 to 120 days and are valid for 3 years. After 3 years, the applicant can apply for extension of another 2 years. Once they have lived in the UK for a minimum of 6 months every year, they are eligible to apply for permanent residency (called Indefinite Leave to Remain). After one year of ILR, the applicant can apply for UK passport.

The Caribbean

Depending on the country, the investment amount starts from $100,000 (Dh367,250) and can go up to $400,000 in real estate. From the date of purchase, it will take between four to five months to receive a passport. 

Portugal

The investment amount ranges from €350,000 to €500,000 (Dh1.5m to Dh2.16m) in real estate. From the date of purchase, it will take a maximum of six months to receive a Golden Visa. Applicants can apply for permanent residency after five years and Portuguese citizenship after six years.

“Among European countries with residency programmes, Portugal has been the most popular because it offers the most cost-effective programme to eventually acquire citizenship of the European Union without ever residing in Portugal,” states Veronica Cotdemiey of Citizenship Invest.

Greece

The real estate investment threshold to acquire residency for Greece is €250,000, making it the cheapest real estate residency visa scheme in Europe. You can apply for residency in four months and citizenship after seven years.

Spain

The real estate investment threshold to acquire residency for Spain is €500,000. You can apply for permanent residency after five years and citizenship after 10 years. It is not necessary to live in Spain to retain and renew the residency visa permit.

Cyprus

Cyprus offers the quickest route to citizenship of a European country in only six months. An investment of €2m in real estate is required, making it the highest priced programme in Europe.

Malta

The Malta citizenship by investment programme is lengthy and investors are required to contribute sums as donations to the Maltese government. The applicant must either contribute at least €650,000 to the National Development & Social Fund. Spouses and children are required to contribute €25,000; unmarried children between 18 and 25 and dependent parents must contribute €50,000 each.

The second step is to make an investment in property of at least €350,000 or enter a property rental contract for at least €16,000 per annum for five years. The third step is to invest at least €150,000 in bonds or shares approved by the Maltese government to be kept for at least five years.

Candidates must commit to a minimum physical presence in Malta before citizenship is granted. While you get residency in two months, you can apply for citizenship after a year.

Egypt 

A one-year residency permit can be bought if you purchase property in Egypt worth $100,000. A three-year residency is available for those who invest $200,000 in property, and five years for those who purchase property worth $400,000.

Source: Citizenship Invest and Aqua Properties

Who's who in Yemen conflict

Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government

Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council

Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south

Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory

GAC GS8 Specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh149,900

Company%20Profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20myZoi%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202021%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Syed%20Ali%2C%20Christian%20Buchholz%2C%20Shanawaz%20Rouf%2C%20Arsalan%20Siddiqui%2C%20Nabid%20Hassan%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20UAE%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20staff%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2037%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Initial%20undisclosed%20funding%20from%20SC%20Ventures%3B%20second%20round%20of%20funding%20totalling%20%2414%20million%20from%20a%20consortium%20of%20SBI%2C%20a%20Japanese%20VC%20firm%2C%20and%20SC%20Venture%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Central%20Bank's%20push%20for%20a%20robust%20financial%20infrastructure
%3Cul%3E%0A%3Cli%3ECBDC%20real-value%20pilot%20held%20with%20three%20partner%20institutions%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EPreparing%20buy%20now%2C%20pay%20later%20regulations%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EPreparing%20for%20the%202023%20launch%20of%20the%20domestic%20card%20initiative%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EPhase%20one%20of%20the%20Financial%20Infrastructure%20Transformation%20(FiT)%20completed%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3C%2Ful%3E%0A
How Filipinos in the UAE invest

A recent survey of 10,000 Filipino expatriates in the UAE found that 82 per cent have plans to invest, primarily in property. This is significantly higher than the 2014 poll showing only two out of 10 Filipinos planned to invest.

Fifty-five percent said they plan to invest in property, according to the poll conducted by the New Perspective Media Group, organiser of the Philippine Property and Investment Exhibition. Acquiring a franchised business or starting up a small business was preferred by 25 per cent and 15 per cent said they will invest in mutual funds. The rest said they are keen to invest in insurance (3 per cent) and gold (2 per cent).

Of the 5,500 respondents who preferred property as their primary investment, 54 per cent said they plan to make the purchase within the next year. Manila was the top location, preferred by 53 per cent.

SOUTH%20KOREA%20SQUAD
%3Cp%3E%0D%3Cstrong%3EGoalkeepers%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EKim%20Seung-gyu%2C%20Jo%20Hyeon-woo%2C%20Song%20Bum-keun%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EDefenders%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EKim%20Young-gwon%2C%20Kim%20Min-jae%2C%20Jung%20Seung-hyun%2C%20Kim%20Ju-sung%2C%20Kim%20Ji-soo%2C%20Seol%20Young-woo%2C%20Kim%20Tae-hwan%2C%20Lee%20Ki-je%2C%20Kim%20Jin-su%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EMidfielders%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EPark%20Yong-woo%2C%20Hwang%20In-beom%2C%20Hong%20Hyun-seok%2C%20Lee%20Soon-min%2C%20Lee%20Jae-sung%2C%20Lee%20Kang-in%2C%20Son%20Heung-min%20(captain)%2C%20Jeong%20Woo-yeong%2C%20Moon%20Seon-min%2C%20Park%20Jin-seob%2C%20Yang%20Hyun-jun%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStrikers%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EHwang%20Hee-chan%2C%20Cho%20Gue-sung%2C%20Oh%20Hyeon-gyu%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Specs – Taycan 4S
Engine: Electric

Transmission: 2-speed auto

Power: 571bhp

Torque: 650Nm

Price: Dh431,800

Specs – Panamera
Engine: 3-litre V6 with 100kW electric motor

Transmission: 2-speed auto

Power: 455bhp

Torque: 700Nm

Price: from Dh431,800

Dengue%20fever%20symptoms
%3Cul%3E%0A%3Cli%3EHigh%20fever%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EIntense%20pain%20behind%20your%20eyes%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3ESevere%20headache%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EMuscle%20and%20joint%20pains%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3ENausea%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EVomiting%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3ESwollen%20glands%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3ERash%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3C%2Ful%3E%0A%3Cp%3EIf%20symptoms%20occur%2C%20they%20usually%20last%20for%20two-seven%20days%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Ticket prices

General admission Dh295 (under-three free)

Buy a four-person Family & Friends ticket and pay for only three tickets, so the fourth family member is free

Buy tickets at: wbworldabudhabi.com/en/tickets

Tips to keep your car cool
  • Place a sun reflector in your windshield when not driving
  • Park in shaded or covered areas
  • Add tint to windows
  • Wrap your car to change the exterior colour
  • Pick light interiors - choose colours such as beige and cream for seats and dashboard furniture
  • Avoid leather interiors as these absorb more heat
COMPANY PROFILE

Name: Cofe

Year started: 2018

Based: UAE

Employees: 80-100

Amount raised: $13m

Investors: KISP ventures, Cedar Mundi, Towell Holding International, Takamul Capital, Dividend Gate Capital, Nizar AlNusif Sons Holding, Arab Investment Company and Al Imtiaz Investment Group 

Updated: February 14, 2024, 6:45 AM