PM Modi to inaugurate Abu Dhabi's first Hindu temple during February 13-14 visit to UAE

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on February 13-14, inaugurating the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi and meeting top leaders of India's key West Asian strategic partner.

This will be Modi's seventh UAE visit since 2015 and third in eight months, underscoring the close ties between the two countries' leadership.

Modi will hold bilateral meetings with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to deepen the strategic partnership. They will also discuss regional and global issues.

Additionally, Modi will meet with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE's vice president, PM and defence minister. At his invitation, Modi will attend the World Government Summit 2024 in Dubai as a guest of honor and deliver a special keynote.

A highlight is expected to be Modi inaugurating the BAPS Mandir. He will also address the Indian diaspora at an event in Abu Dhabi's Zayed Sports City.

Formal announcement on PM Modi's UAE's visit: pic.twitter.com/z8VCM0Wo88

— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) February 10, 2024

India and UAE share warm, multifaceted ties underpinned by strong political, cultural and economic links, formalized as a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2015 during Modi's first UAE visit.

To boost trade, the two countries signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement in 2022 and Local Currency Settlement system in 2023. The UAE is among India's top trading partners and investors.

Around 3.5 million Indians reside in the UAE, the largest expatriate group whose contributions have anchored the bilateral relationship.