The Prime Minister of India is set to embark on a landmark trip to the United Arab Emirates to bolster bilateral relations and deepen cultural ties between the two nations. This visit is part of the Prime Minister’s commitment to fostering strong international partnerships and recognizing the significant role played by the Indian expatriate community in the UAE.
In a pioneering initiative aimed at promoting cross-cultural exchanges, cultural projects, exhibitions, and intellectual dialogue between the two countries, the leaders of both countries decided to establish the India-UAE Cultural Council. On September 1, 2022, during the 14th India-UAE Joint Commission Meeting (JCM), both sides signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish the Cultural Council to promote cultural cooperation between the two countries. This cultural council will be jointly coordinated by the Office of Public and Cultural Diplomacy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in the UAE, and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). It will serve as a platform for artistic collaborations and the celebration of shared cultural heritage.
In addition, construction of the first traditional Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi is currently underway and is expected to be completed by 2024. Last year, a newly-constructed Hindu temple in Dubai was opened to devotees in a grand ceremony, with Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE’s Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, in attendance as the chief guest.
Moreover, the Indian expatriate community in the UAE holds a distinguished position, constituting approximately 30 percent of the country’s population.
Official records estimate that around 3.5 million Indian nationals reside in the UAE, making the community an integral part of the country’s social fabric. While the majority of Indians are employed in various sectors, the presence of dependent family members further contributes to the vibrant Indian population.
Indian Ambassador to the UAE Sunjay Sudhir speaks on the diaspora and cultural exchanges between the two nations.
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