Prime Minister Narendra Modi on two-day UAE visit from Sunday Aug 16,2015

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive in Abu Dhabi on Sunday Aug 16,2015 on a 2-day trip, packed with a string of engagements high on substance and symbolism, including talks with the leadership of world’s second largest Arab economy and an address to the Indian diaspora, which forms 30 per cent of UAE’s population.

During his visit, first by an Indian Prime Minister in 34 years, Prime Minister Narendra will seek to enhance cooperation in energy and trade and reach out to investors to hardsell India as an attractive business destination

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ahead of his visit, described UAE as a “valued partner”. This fact, he said, was reflected in India being UAE’s second largest trading partner, while the Arabian nation comprising seven Sheikhdoms was the third largest trading partner for the country.

Prime Minister Narendra also lauded the immense contribution made by over 2.5 million Indians, who have made UAE their home, and said he was looking forward to meeting the large diaspora.

They remit more than $13 billion annually. The 2.6 million-strong Indian community constitutes nearly 30 per cent of UAE’s population

Text of PM’s statement on his visit to UAE

On 16th August, I begin my visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This will be the first Prime Ministerial visit in 34 years. UAE is a valued partner and the extent of our ties indicate the vibrant relations India and UAE enjoy- India is UAE’s 2nd largest trading partner and UAE is India’s 3rd largest trade partner. There are over 2.5 million Indians who have made UAE their home. They have contributed immensely to the progress of UAE and also given back to India at every occasion. India and UAE are fantastically connected be it via air or through the sea.

The economic strides taken by UAE are extremely admirable. UAE is a global economic success story that has attracted people from all over the world. UAE has also emerged as an important logistics hub. UAE and India’s strong partnership goes back several years. Both are multicultural societies that respect and celebrate plurality and diversity.

During my visit, I seek to enhance cooperation in energy, trade and will talk to investors on why India is an attractive destination to invest. I am certain my visit will boost people-to-people ties between our Nations.

I specially look forward to meeting the large community of Indian workers based in UAE. No words will be enough to appreciate their hardwork and sweat over the last many years.

I will hold extensive talks with His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, whose enlightened vision and farsightedness has taken UAE to new heights of development. I will meet His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE.

One of the places that I will visit in UAE is the Masdar City, a zero carbon city, which is an effort towards creating a cleaner and greener tomorrow

Note

Indira Gandhi was the last Indian Prime Minister to have visited United Arab Emirates(UAE) in 1981

UAE is a federation of seven emirates - Abu Dhabi,Ajman,Dubai,Fujairah,Ras al-Khaimah,Sharjah and Umm al-Quwain

Each emirate is governed by an absolute monarch who jointly form the Federal Supreme Council
 One of the monarchs is selected as the President of the UAE