THE UAE CONNECT

Indian expats make up 30 per cent of the country's population. For many Indians, the UAE is like a second home. A few of them open up to THE WEEK on their connect with the UAE.

- ADEEB AHAMED, VINAY VARMA, SIKKI REDDY, ALISHA MOOPEN, RAMANDEEP OBEROI, DR ZULEKHA DAUD, KUSHBOO SUNDAR

A GOLDEN ERA

BY ADEEB AHAMED 

This is the golden era of UAE-India relations. The profound changes that are happening owe much to the visionary leadership of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

At the heart of this transformation is the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which has propelled bilateral trade to more than $85 billion. The partnership is boosting investments, particularly in infrastructure, energy, food processing, financial services and technology.

India has attracted more than $12 billion in investments from the UAE over the past decade, and the UAE is welcoming a growing number of Indian investors. With more than a million Indians visiting the UAE annually, Indian tourists constitute the largest share of international arrivals. UAE citizens are increasingly viewing India as a favourable destination for leisure and health tourism, and are investing in various areas of the sector. This is creating jobs in both the nations.

INCLUSIVE SPIRIT 

BY VINAY VARMA 

Abu Dhabi has been my home since 1970. My family and I share a profound love for this city.

When I first arrived here, the Indian community was relatively small, and there were limitations on what we could bring with us, including holy books and deities. The tremendous progress that the UAE has made, especially in embracing diversity, is truly remarkable. The magnificent BAPS Temple in Abu Dhabi is a testament to that inclusive spirit. It will undoubtedly contribute to the rich tapestry of cultural diversity in the UAE.