Rahul Gandhi has just rounded up a two-day visit to the Emirates.
During his visit, the Indian opposition leader met with UAE rulers, business leaders and blue-collar workers in a bid to curry favour with non-resident Indians ahead of this year's general elections.
Here are five takeaways from his trip:
1. With an eye on elections, Mr Gandhi has sharp words for India’s Modi
During his visit, the congress leader had harsh words for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him a thief and a liar. Those comments have whipped up a storm on social media - though they were not unlike remarks he has made in the past.
The Congress party president has made similar statements in India as he hopes to build an alliance with regional parties against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), ahead of the elections.
It was the fact that the comments were made in Dubai, after organisers had said his first official visit to the UAE would not be political, that triggered a strong reaction.
Congress officials had said he would address crowds to mark the 150th anniversary celebrations of Mahatma Gandhi, the world’s most famous pacifist.
But Mr Gandhi did not hold back during a public rally and at a media conference where he repeated his jibes "chowkidar chor hain" or "this guard is a thief."
He was referring to his corruption accusation against the Modi government over a $8.7 billion (Dh32bn) fighter jet deal with France's Dassault Aviation.
Mr Gandhi has questioned the selection of a company owned by billionaire Anil Ambani as a local partner when it has no aeronautical experience.
Mr Ambani’s Reliance Defence was chosen over state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics, which has a proven record of manufacturing military aircraft.
Mr Gandhi accused the government of overpaying for the jets and charged Mr Modi with putting pressure on Dassault to choose Mr Ambani’s firm.
2. English — Hindi, maybe a bit of both
Mr Gandhi stuck to English when addressing a packed gathering on Friday at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. This was on advice from local officials because the majority of the 24,000-strong crowd were from Kerala, in southern India, and may not have understood Hindi.
But sections of the crowd in the stands began moving out before Mr Gandhi completed his speech. It is suspected that this was because his message did not filter across to thousands of non-English speakers.
Workers from the north and central parts of India said they wished Mr Gandhi had spoken in Hindi.
Organisers said the language barrier had nothing to do with people exiting, rather that workers wanted to beat the rush and get on the buses that transported them from different emirates to the event.
3. Diplomatic non-answer on Hindu temple ban on women
Mr Gandhi dodged a question from a journalist who asked for his view on women entering the Sabarimala shrine in Kerala.
After India’s Supreme Court lifted a ban on women worshippers between the age of 10 and 50 from entering one of India’s largest religious sites, two women in their forties entered the centuries-old shrine on January 2. This sparked protests across the state.
While the state government described it as historic, the BJP said the court ruling was against Hindu values.
In response to the question, Mr Gandhi delivered an unconvincing reply: "I can see the validity in both arguments. I can see that women want equal rights and I have heard the position of the people of Kerala. I cannot give you an open and shut answer. This is complicated and both sides have valid arguments."
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Read more:
Rahul Gandhi praises Sheikh Mohammed but has choice words for India PM Narendra Modi
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid meets Rahul Gandhi in Dubai
Rahul Gandhi in Dubai: Congress leader calls on UAE Indians to help growth at home
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4. Inviting NRIs to create jobs at home
While widely criticising the current government for rising unemployment and neglecting the youth and farmers’ welfare, Mr Gandhi said he believes non-resident Indians (NRIs) are part of the solution.
He described NRIs as India’s future and called on all Indians working overseas to help address challenges by fostering jobs and using technology to transform the agricultural sector.
Aside from his speech, there was no clear plan on how this could be achieved.
5. Voice of overseas Indians in new congress manifesto
During his trip, Mr Gandhi announced that the concerns of expatriate Indians would be embedded in a new congress manifesto.
“We are going to have detailed conversations with NRIs and we are going to ask you what you need. I want your voice in the manifesto that the congress produces,” he promised.
Non-resident Indians who live in other parts of the world will be invited to Dubai to participate in the compilation of a comprehensive wish list that will represent their needs.
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In 2013, The National's History Project went beyond the walls to see what life was like living in Abu Dhabi's fabled fort:
Series result
1st ODI Zimbabwe won by 6 wickets
2nd ODI Sri Lanka won by 7 wickets
3rd ODI Sri Lanka won by 8 wickets
4th ODI Zimbabwe won by 4 wickets
5th ODI Zimbabwe won by 3 wickets
The specs: 2018 Jaguar E-Pace First Edition
Price, base / as tested: Dh186,480 / Dh252,735
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder
Power: 246hp @ 5,500rpm
Torque: 365Nm @ 1,200rpm
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Fuel consumption, combined: 7.7L / 100km
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
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Racecard
6.35pm: American Business Council – Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (Dirt) 1,600m
7.10pm: British Business Group – Maiden (TB) Dh82,500 (D) 1,200m
7.45pm: CCI France UAE – Handicap (TB) Dh87,500 (D) 1,400m
8.20pm: Czech Business Council – Rated Conditions (TB) Dh105,000 (D) 1,400m
8.55pm: Netherlands Business Council – Rated Conditions (TB) Dh95,000 (D) 1,600m
9.30pm: Indian Business and Professional Council – Handicap (TB) Dh95,000 (D) 1,200m
Men’s singles
Group A: Son Wan-ho (Kor), Lee Chong Wei (Mas), Ng Long Angus (HK), Chen Long (Chn)
Group B: Kidambi Srikanth (Ind), Shi Yugi (Chn), Chou Tien Chen (Tpe), Viktor Axelsen (Den)
Women’s Singles
Group A: Akane Yamaguchi (Jpn), Pusarla Sindhu (Ind), Sayaka Sato (Jpn), He Bingjiao (Chn)
Group B: Tai Tzu Ying (Tpe), Sung Hi-hyun (Kor), Ratchanok Intanon (Tha), Chen Yufei (Chn)
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The five new places of worship
Church of South Indian Parish
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if you go
The flights
Emirates fly direct from Dubai to Houston, Texas, where United have direct flights to Managua. Alternatively, from October, Iberia will offer connections from Madrid, which can be reached by both Etihad from Abu Dhabi and Emirates from Dubai.
The trip
Geodyssey’s (Geodyssey.co.uk) 15-night Nicaragua Odyssey visits the colonial cities of Leon and Granada, lively country villages, the lake island of Ometepe and a stunning array of landscapes, with wildlife, history, creative crafts and more. From Dh18,500 per person, based on two sharing, including transfers and tours but excluding international flights. For more information, visit visitnicaragua.us.
RACE CARD
6.30pm: Madjani Stakes Group 2 (PA) Dh97,500 (Dirt) 1,900m
7.05pm: Maiden (TB) Dh82,500 (D) 1,400m
7.40pm: Maiden (TB) Dh82,500 (D) 1,600m
8.15pm: Handicap (TB) Dh87,500 (D) 2,200m
8.50pm: Dubai Creek Mile Listed (TB) Dh132,500 (D) 1,600m
9.25pm: Conditions (TB) Dh120,000 (D) 1,900m
10pm: Handicap (TB) Dh92,500 (D) 1,400m
Know before you go
- Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
- If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
- By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
- Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
- Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.
Suggested picnic spots
Abu Dhabi
Umm Al Emarat Park
Yas Gateway Park
Delma Park
Al Bateen beach
Saadiyaat beach
The Corniche
Zayed Sports City
Dubai
Kite Beach
Zabeel Park
Al Nahda Pond Park
Mushrif Park
Safa Park
Al Mamzar Beach Park
Al Qudrah Lakes
