The President of the United Arab Emirates, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, delivered a powerful message of reassurance and unity after visiting people injured during recent regional tensions, urging residents to forgive any shortcomings while pledging that the country will defend itself and protect everyone living within its borders. The remarks were broadcast on Abu Dhabi TV, marking the president’s first public message following a series of missile and drone interceptions linked to the escalating conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States.


US-Iran War: UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Warns of Growing Security Crisis

<p><strong>New Delhi:</strong> UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is expected to visit Delhi on Monday. The visit is expected to further firm up ties between the two countries. India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have forged one of the most dynamic bilateral partnerships in the world, blending ancient trade links with modern strategic and economic ambitions.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The relationship, rooted in centuries-old commerce across the Arabian Sea, has transformed dramatically in recent years. The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), signed in 2022, has been a game-changer. Bilateral trade reached new heights in 2025, with non-oil trade surging to approximately $37.6 billion in the first half of the year alone, a 34% increase year-on-year, putting the two nations firmly on track to hit ambitious targets of $100 billion in non-oil trade by 2030.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The CEPA has slashed tariffs on thousands of products and boosted exports of Indian engineering goods, pharmaceuticals, and electronics, while facilitating UAE investments in India’s infrastructure, technology, and renewable energy sectors.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The UAE ranks as the seventh-largest investor in India, with cumulative foreign direct investment inflows exceeding $22 billion since 2000. Energy remains a cornerstone, with the UAE supplying vital oil and liquefied natural gas to fuel India’s growth. Recent initiatives include rupee-dirham trade settlement mechanisms and integration of digital payment systems like India’s UPI in the UAE, reducing reliance on the US dollar. Defence and security ties have deepened, with regular joint exercises and discussions on maritime cooperation.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Earlier this month, India’s army chief visited the UAE to enhance military engagement. The 3.5-million-strong Indian diaspora in the UAE forms a vital bridge, contributing significantly to both economies and earning appreciation from UAE leaders.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Looking ahead, both countries are aligning on global initiatives, including India’s upcoming BRICS presidency in 2026 and support for projects like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.</p>

The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), signed in 2022, has been a game-changer. It has slashed tariffs on thousands of products and boosted exports of Indian engineering goods, pharmaceuticals, and electronics, while facilitating UAE investments in India.

New Delhi: UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is expected to visit Delhi on Monday. The visit is expected to further firm up ties between the two countries. India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have forged one of the most dynamic bilateral partnerships in the world, blending ancient trade links with modern strategic and economic ambitions. The relationship, rooted in centuries-old commerce across the Arabian Sea, has transformed dramatically in recent years. The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), signed in 2022, has been a game-changer. Bilateral trade reached new heights in 2025, with non-oil trade surging to approximately $37.6 billion in the first half of the year alone, a 34% increase year-on-year, putting the two nations firmly on track to hit ambitious targets of $100 billion in non-oil trade by 2030. The CEPA has slashed tariffs on thousands of products and boosted exports of Indian engineering goods, pharmaceuticals, and electronics, while facilitating UAE investments in India’s infrastructure, technology, and renewable energy sectors. The UAE ranks as the seventh-largest investor in India, with cumulative foreign direct investment inflows exceeding $22 billion since 2000. Energy remains a cornerstone, with the UAE supplying vital oil and liquefied natural gas to fuel India’s growth. Recent initiatives include rupee-dirham trade settlement mechanisms and integration of digital payment systems like India’s UPI in the UAE, reducing reliance on the US dollar. Defence and security ties have deepened, with regular joint exercises and discussions on maritime cooperation. Earlier this month, India’s army chief visited the UAE to enhance military engagement. The 3.5-million-strong Indian diaspora in the UAE forms a vital bridge, contributing significantly to both economies and earning appreciation from UAE leaders. Looking ahead, both countries are aligning on global initiatives, including India’s upcoming BRICS presidency in 2026 and support for projects like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.

<p>The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), signed in 2022, has been a game-changer. It has slashed tariffs on thousands of products and boosted exports of Indian engineering goods, pharmaceuticals, and electronics, while facilitating UAE investments in India.</p>

UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to visit India on Monday

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<p>A top UAE diplomat has revealed that it took President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (MBZ) all of “five minutes” to agree to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's request for a Hindu temple in the Gulf nation during a trip in 2015.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Anwar Mohammed Gargash, a diplomatic advisor to the UAE president, during a lecture in New Delhi on Friday (Feb 23) made the&nbsp;revelation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“When Prime Minister Narendra Modi came [to the UAE], one of the early requests he made was to get land for the Indian community to build this magnificent Hindu temple. We saw that as an early test of the relationship,” said Gargash, addressing the audience.</p>

<p>“It took Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan five minutes to say ‘of course, let’s find the right place’,” added Gargash, who also served as the UAE minister of state for foreign affairs from 2008 to 2021.</p>

<p>According to Gargash, the allotment of the land and the subsequent construction of the temple was an example of building on a relationship that was previously like an “untended olive garden”.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">"It took Sheikh Mohamed 5 minutes.." to agree to PM Modi's request for a Hindu temple in UAE during 2015 visit, says top UAE diplomat Dr Anwar Gargash (diplomatic adviser to President Sheikh Mohamed) <a href="https://t.co/rXLnlQ2SeU">pic.twitter.com/rXLnlQ2SeU</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1761450415365751011?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Notably, MBZ was serving as the UAE's de facto leader in 2015 due to the ill health of his brother Sheikh Khalifa, the country's then-president. In 2022, MBZ became the UAE president and the relations with New Delhi have remained on the upswing under his watch.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uae-baps-hindu-temple-from-cost-to-key-features-all-about-abu-dhabis-first-hindu-mandir-690729"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;UAE BAPS Hindu Temple: From cost to key features, all about Abu Dhabi's first Hindu Mandir</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>PM Modi inaugurates BAPS Temple</strong></h2>

<p>It was earlier this month that PM Modi inaugurated the beautiful temple in Abu Dhabi, in the presence of MBZ during his two-day trip to the Gulf country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The temple has been built by the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), a denomination of the Swaminarayan Sampradaya, a Vaishnav sect of Hinduism.</p>

<p>The temple has been promoted as the epitome of communal harmony, a goal envisioned by both India and the UAE.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/land-from-muslim-king-architecture-by-christian-abu-dhabis-hindu-temple-is-an-icon-of-communal-harmony-690134"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Christian architect, land given by Muslim king: Abu Dhabi's BAPS Hindu temple is an icon of communal harmony</strong></a></p>

<p>The temple is constructed on 27 acres of land, with 13.5 acres dedicated to the temple complex area and the other 13.5 acres allotted for parking which can accommodate 14,000 cars and 50 buses.</p>

<p>As per one of the BAPS spokespersons, the construction of the temple saw a confluence from all the major religions of the world. While the temple land was allotted by a "Muslim king", the lead architect was a Catholic Christian, the project manager a Sikh, the foundational designer a Buddhist, the construction company a Parsi group, and the director, a Jain.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A top UAE diplomat has revealed that it took President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (MBZ) all of “five minutes” to agree to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's request for a Hindu temple in the Gulf nation during a trip in 2015.

A top UAE diplomat has revealed that it took President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (MBZ) all of “five minutes” to agree to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's request for a Hindu temple in the Gulf nation during a trip in 2015. Anwar Mohammed Gargash, a diplomatic advisor to the UAE president, during a lecture in New Delhi on Friday (Feb 23) made the revelation. “When Prime Minister Narendra Modi came [to the UAE], one of the early requests he made was to get land for the Indian community to build this magnificent Hindu temple. We saw that as an early test of the relationship,” said Gargash, addressing the audience. “It took Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan five minutes to say ‘of course, let’s find the right place’,” added Gargash, who also served as the UAE minister of state for foreign affairs from 2008 to 2021. According to Gargash, the allotment of the land and the subsequent construction of the temple was an example of building on a relationship that was previously like an “untended olive garden”. "It took Sheikh Mohamed 5 minutes.." to agree to PM Modi's request for a Hindu temple in UAE during 2015 visit, says top UAE diplomat Dr Anwar Gargash (diplomatic adviser to President Sheikh Mohamed) pic.twitter.com/rXLnlQ2SeU — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) February 24, 2024 × Notably, MBZ was serving as the UAE's de facto leader in 2015 due to the ill health of his brother Sheikh Khalifa, the country's then-president. In 2022, MBZ became the UAE president and the relations with New Delhi have remained on the upswing under his watch. Watch | UAE BAPS Hindu Temple: From cost to key features, all about Abu Dhabi's first Hindu Mandir × PM Modi inaugurates BAPS Temple It was earlier this month that PM Modi inaugurated the beautiful temple in Abu Dhabi, in the presence of MBZ during his two-day trip to the Gulf country. The temple has been built by the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), a denomination of the Swaminarayan Sampradaya, a Vaishnav sect of Hinduism. The temple has been promoted as the epitome of communal harmony, a goal envisioned by both India and the UAE. Also read | Christian architect, land given by Muslim king: Abu Dhabi's BAPS Hindu temple is an icon of communal harmony The temple is constructed on 27 acres of land, with 13.5 acres dedicated to the temple complex area and the other 13.5 acres allotted for parking which can accommodate 14,000 cars and 50 buses. As per one of the BAPS spokespersons, the construction of the temple saw a confluence from all the major religions of the world. While the temple land was allotted by a "Muslim king", the lead architect was a Catholic Christian, the project manager a Sikh, the foundational designer a Buddhist, the construction company a Parsi group, and the director, a Jain. (With inputs from agencies)

Mohamed bin Zayed agreed to PM Modi's request for Hindu temple in 5 minutes, reveals top UAE diplomat

<p>The much-awaited Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2024, a biennial extravaganza hosted by the Gujarat government to bring together key policymakers and investors, is poised to witness the presence of key global leaders.<br />
<br />
Among the notable guests are President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Mozambique's President Filipe Nyusi, marking a significant diplomatic and economic convergence.&nbsp;The 10th Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit is set for January 10-12, 2024, at the Mahatma Mandir Convention and Exhibition Centre in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.</p>

<p>The Vibrant Gujarat Summit, initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat in 2003, has evolved into a key platform attracting top-tier business leaders, investors, and policymakers. The summit has grown exponentially with each edition, reflecting its pivotal role in advancing India's economic agenda.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/elon-musks-tesla-to-set-up-first-indian-manufacturing-plant-in-gujarat-674748">Elon Musk's Tesla to set up first Indian manufacturing plant in Gujarat: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>Prime Minister Modi extended a formal invitation to UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during his visit to Dubai on December 1st where they met on the sidelines of the Climate Summit. This visit marked PM Modi's second trip to the UAE that year, underscoring the deepening ties between the two nations.</p>

<p>The UAE stands as the seventh-largest investor in India in terms of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Last year's signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and the agreement to trade in national currencies further solidified the economic partnership.&nbsp;Since 2014, Prime Minister Modi has made six visits to the UAE, including two visits in 2023 and one each in 2022, 2019, 2018, and 2015.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;PM Modi: Every Indian sees UAE as a true friend</strong></p>

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<p>Simultaneously, India's economic engagement with Mozambique has been on an upward trajectory, particularly in the energy sector.</p>

<p>Indian companies have made substantial investments, constituting nearly a quarter of India's total FDIs in Africa. Minister of External Affairs, S. Jaishankar, and Energy Minister Hardeep Singh Puri's visits to Mozambique in April and October, respectively, signify the strategic importance of these partnerships for India's energy security.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Minister Puri, during his visit, conducted a thorough review of the 7,500-hectare site earmarked for India's LNG Project in Mozambique's Cabo Delgado.</p>

<p>The $20 billion initiative, wherein three Indian Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) possess a significant 30 per cent&nbsp;stake, assumes paramount strategic significance in India's pursuit of energy sufficiency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Vibrant Gujarat Summit is expected to draw diverse delegations from several countries, with robust participation from Russia, including governors from the far east. The event has consistently attracted foreign leaders and investors, showcasing Gujarat as a key investment destination.</p>


The much-awaited Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2024, a biennial extravaganza hosted by the Gujarat government to bring together key policymakers and investors, is poised to witness the presence of key global leaders.

The much-awaited Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2024, a biennial extravaganza hosted by the Gujarat government to bring together key policymakers and investors, is poised to witness the presence of key global leaders. Among the notable guests are President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Mozambique's President Filipe Nyusi, marking a significant diplomatic and economic convergence. The 10th Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit is set for January 10-12, 2024, at the Mahatma Mandir Convention and Exhibition Centre in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The Vibrant Gujarat Summit, initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat in 2003, has evolved into a key platform attracting top-tier business leaders, investors, and policymakers. The summit has grown exponentially with each edition, reflecting its pivotal role in advancing India's economic agenda. Also read | Elon Musk's Tesla to set up first Indian manufacturing plant in Gujarat: Report Prime Minister Modi extended a formal invitation to UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during his visit to Dubai on December 1st where they met on the sidelines of the Climate Summit. This visit marked PM Modi's second trip to the UAE that year, underscoring the deepening ties between the two nations. The UAE stands as the seventh-largest investor in India in terms of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Last year's signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and the agreement to trade in national currencies further solidified the economic partnership. Since 2014, Prime Minister Modi has made six visits to the UAE, including two visits in 2023 and one each in 2022, 2019, 2018, and 2015. Also watch | PM Modi: Every Indian sees UAE as a true friend × Simultaneously, India's economic engagement with Mozambique has been on an upward trajectory, particularly in the energy sector. Indian companies have made substantial investments, constituting nearly a quarter of India's total FDIs in Africa. Minister of External Affairs, S. Jaishankar, and Energy Minister Hardeep Singh Puri's visits to Mozambique in April and October, respectively, signify the strategic importance of these partnerships for India's energy security. Minister Puri, during his visit, conducted a thorough review of the 7,500-hectare site earmarked for India's LNG Project in Mozambique's Cabo Delgado. The $20 billion initiative, wherein three Indian Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) possess a significant 30 per cent stake, assumes paramount strategic significance in India's pursuit of energy sufficiency. The Vibrant Gujarat Summit is expected to draw diverse delegations from several countries, with robust participation from Russia, including governors from the far east. The event has consistently attracted foreign leaders and investors, showcasing Gujarat as a key investment destination.

UAE President Nahyan, Mozambique President Nyusi to visit India for Vibrant Gujarat Summit

<p>The Air India Express passenger plane crash came as a shared loss for both New Delhi and Abu Dhabi as the flight was repatriating Indians stranded by the COVID-19 pandemic in the UAE.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Boeing-737 flight from Dubai to Calicut International Airport, carrying 190 passengers and crew, overshot the runway in heavy rain near the southern city of Kozhikode on Friday. Eighteen of the 190 passengers and crew, including both pilots, died, officials said on Saturday.</p>

<p>Kerala is also grappling with rising number of coronavirus cases, and flooding and landslides due to heavy rains.</p>

<p>To this end, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces, tweeted to show solidarity with "friend" Prime Minister Narendra Modi in these trying times.</p>

<p>"We share our heartfelt condolences with our friend PM @narendramodi and all the people of India affected by the tragic plane accident, and the recent flooding. You remain in our prayers during these difficult times," he posted on Twitter.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We share our heartfelt condolences with our friend PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> and all the people of India affected by the tragic plane accident, and the recent flooding. You remain in our prayers during these difficult times.</p>
— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) <a href="https://twitter.com/MohamedBinZayed/status/1292161051023118337?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>It was India’s worst passenger aircraft accident since 2010, when another Air India Express flight from Dubai overshot the table-top runway at Mangalore, a city in the south, and slid down a hill, killing 158 people.</p>

<p>India's relations with the UAE are "at their best ever" as bilateral ties have been elevated from a mere "buyer-seller" to that of a comprehensive strategic partnership in the last four years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said last year as he highlighted the excellent rapport between the leadership of the two countries.</p>

<p>The two nations quite often indulge in exchanging workforce. Many Indians are happily settled in UAE and had been earning well until the coronavirus pandemic struck.</p>

<p>It was only after the lockdown started to wreak havoc on the economy that several firms in UAE dried up, and the Indian nationals had to be repatriated.</p>

<p>India had closed international travel on March 25 as part of the nationwide lockdown.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Narendra Modi-led government then commenced the world’s largest repatriation operations from May 7, in a bid to help stranded people reach their destinations amid the pandemic.</p>


The Air India Express passenger plane crash came as a shared loss for both New Delhi and Abu Dhabi as the flight was repatriating Indians stranded by the COVID-19 pandemic in the UAE.

The Air India Express passenger plane crash came as a shared loss for both New Delhi and Abu Dhabi as the flight was repatriating Indians stranded by the COVID-19 pandemic in the UAE. The Boeing-737 flight from Dubai to Calicut International Airport, carrying 190 passengers and crew, overshot the runway in heavy rain near the southern city of Kozhikode on Friday. Eighteen of the 190 passengers and crew, including both pilots, died, officials said on Saturday. Kerala is also grappling with rising number of coronavirus cases, and flooding and landslides due to heavy rains. To this end, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces, tweeted to show solidarity with "friend" Prime Minister Narendra Modi in these trying times. "We share our heartfelt condolences with our friend PM @narendramodi and all the people of India affected by the tragic plane accident, and the recent flooding. You remain in our prayers during these difficult times," he posted on Twitter. We share our heartfelt condolences with our friend PM @narendramodi and all the people of India affected by the tragic plane accident, and the recent flooding. You remain in our prayers during these difficult times. — محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) August 8, 2020 × It was India’s worst passenger aircraft accident since 2010, when another Air India Express flight from Dubai overshot the table-top runway at Mangalore, a city in the south, and slid down a hill, killing 158 people. India's relations with the UAE are "at their best ever" as bilateral ties have been elevated from a mere "buyer-seller" to that of a comprehensive strategic partnership in the last four years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said last year as he highlighted the excellent rapport between the leadership of the two countries. The two nations quite often indulge in exchanging workforce. Many Indians are happily settled in UAE and had been earning well until the coronavirus pandemic struck. It was only after the lockdown started to wreak havoc on the economy that several firms in UAE dried up, and the Indian nationals had to be repatriated. India had closed international travel on March 25 as part of the nationwide lockdown. The Narendra Modi-led government then commenced the world’s largest repatriation operations from May 7, in a bid to help stranded people reach their destinations amid the pandemic.

UAE's Mohamed bin Zayed sends condolences to 'friend' PM Modi after Air India plane crash

<p>The United Arab Emirates' top legislative body on Wednesday approved a&nbsp;fourth&nbsp;term in office for reclusive&nbsp;President&nbsp;Sheikh&nbsp;Khalifa&nbsp;bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, state media reported.</p>

<p>"The Supreme Federal Council of the United Arab Emirates renewed its confidence in His Highness&nbsp;Sheikh&nbsp;Khalifa&nbsp;bin Zayed Al-Nahyan... for the&nbsp;fourth&nbsp;mandate&nbsp;of five years, in accordance with the constitution," official news agency WAM reported.</p>

<p>Sheikh&nbsp;Khalifa&nbsp;took over as the&nbsp;UAE's second&nbsp;president&nbsp;in November 2004, succeeding his father as the 16th ruler of &nbsp;Abu Dhabi, the federation's richest emirate.</p>

<p>The 71-year-old has rarely been seen in public since 2014, when he had surgery following a stroke, although he has continued to issue rulings.</p>

<p>His brother, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-in-abu-dhabi-seeking-13-billion-in-investments-256090">Abu Dhabi</a> Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed, has been seen as the de facto ruler of the&nbsp;UAE&nbsp;in recent years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But&nbsp;Sheikh&nbsp;Khalifa&nbsp;was at the helm of the&nbsp;UAE&nbsp;as it began its global rise, with services-oriented Dubai emerging as a global tourism and trade hub and Abu Dhabi pumping around 90 per cent of the OPEC member's crude.</p>

<p>His rule has also seen the&nbsp;UAE&nbsp;extend its regional influence as far as Yemen, the Horn of Africa and Libya while taking a particularly hostile stance on the Arab Spring uprisings.</p>

<p>He was ranked by Forbes as 37th on its list of "the world's most powerful people" in 2015.</p>


The United Arab Emirates' top legislative body on Wednesday approved a fourth term in office for reclusive President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, state media reported.

The United Arab Emirates' top legislative body on Wednesday approved a fourth term in office for reclusive President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, state media reported. "The Supreme Federal Council of the United Arab Emirates renewed its confidence in His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan... for the fourth mandate of five years, in accordance with the constitution," official news agency WAM reported. Sheikh Khalifa took over as the UAE's second president in November 2004, succeeding his father as the 16th ruler of Abu Dhabi, the federation's richest emirate. The 71-year-old has rarely been seen in public since 2014, when he had surgery following a stroke, although he has continued to issue rulings. His brother, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed, has been seen as the de facto ruler of the UAE in recent years. But Sheikh Khalifa was at the helm of the UAE as it began its global rise, with services-oriented Dubai emerging as a global tourism and trade hub and Abu Dhabi pumping around 90 per cent of the OPEC member's crude. His rule has also seen the UAE extend its regional influence as far as Yemen, the Horn of Africa and Libya while taking a particularly hostile stance on the Arab Spring uprisings. He was ranked by Forbes as 37th on its list of "the world's most powerful people" in 2015.

UAE approves fourth mandate for President Sheikh Khalifa

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday received <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-be-honoured-with-uaes-highest-civilian-award-245219">UAE's highest civilian order, the 'Order of Zayed'</a>.</p>

<p>UAE's Crown Prince Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan conferred the honour acknowledging PM Modi's distinguished leadership. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The award was announced in April this year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in UAE yesterday evening. Earlier in the day, both the leaders held delegation-level talks in Abu Dhabi today.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the talks, the Crown Prince and PM Modi discussed the growing convergences between the two nations.</p>

<p>"Crown prince referred very warmly to our relations and to the level we have reached. He stressed the importance of India and UAE working even more closely to overcome challenges," Secretary ER Tirumurti noted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tirumurti added that the Crown Prince talked about the "bridges we have built should be made even stronger" and "stressed the importance of continuing to work closely towards deradicalisation".&nbsp;</p>

<p>UAE is the first country in the Gulf to adopt the RuPay card and the third country globally after Singapore and Bhutan to adopt it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>RuPay Card will be accepted at 175,000 merchant acceptance locations and 5,000 ATM and cash access locations within the UAE.</p>

<p>The adoption of RuPay card will help Indian tourist, who will be visiting the country, and businesses there. The UAE receives close to 3 million Indian tourists annually and the adoption of RuPay card in the West Asian country will lower the charges as Indians tourists will save on the exchange rate.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Abu Dhabi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi conferred with Order of Zayed, UAE's highest civilian award by Crown Prince, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. <a href="https://t.co/tezAhEDtJU">pic.twitter.com/tezAhEDtJU</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1165196105073606656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>The RuPay card was launched in the presence of the Indian community who pledged support to invest in Kashmir Investment Summit.</p>

<p>"At the business roundtable in Abu Dhabi with NRI businessmen based in the UAE, PM urged them to invest in India, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir and Laddakh, in view of the recent changes. The NRI business community demonstrated their enthusiasm in this regard." External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said.</p>

<p>Indian PM and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi also released postage stamps on Mahatma Gandhi to commemorate his 150th birth anniversary in the UAE. This is PM Modi's third visit to the UAE.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We have historical and comprehensive strategic ties with India, reinforced by the pivotal role of my dear friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who gave these relations a big boost. In appreciation of his efforts, the UAE President grants him the Zayed Medal.</p>
— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) <a href="https://twitter.com/MohamedBinZayed/status/1113685304907567105?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>In a tweet the&nbsp;Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi,&nbsp;Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed said that PM Modi has been conferred the award for boosting India-UAE ties.<br />
He tweeted, “We have historical and comprehensive strategic ties with India, reinforced by the pivotal role of my dear friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who gave these relations a big boost. In appreciation of his efforts, the UAE President grants him the Zayed Medal.”</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Ministry of External Affairs: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first engagement in the United Arab Emirates was the launch of Rupay card, it is the first time the Rupay card is being launched in the Middle East. <a href="https://t.co/epGqhm3W2h">pic.twitter.com/epGqhm3W2h</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1165270264659075074?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Modi first visited the country in August of 2015 which was followed by the visit of Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in 2016.</p>

<p>The following year the Crown Prince was the chief guest at India's republic day parade and again in 2018 PM Modi visited the country and was the chief guest at the sixth World Government Summit in Dubai.&nbsp;</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday received UAE's highest civilian order, the 'Order of Zayed'. UAE's Crown Prince Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan conferred the honour acknowledging PM Modi's distinguished leadership.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday received UAE's highest civilian order, the 'Order of Zayed'. UAE's Crown Prince Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan conferred the honour acknowledging PM Modi's distinguished leadership. The award was announced in April this year. Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in UAE yesterday evening. Earlier in the day, both the leaders held delegation-level talks in Abu Dhabi today. During the talks, the Crown Prince and PM Modi discussed the growing convergences between the two nations. "Crown prince referred very warmly to our relations and to the level we have reached. He stressed the importance of India and UAE working even more closely to overcome challenges," Secretary ER Tirumurti noted. Tirumurti added that the Crown Prince talked about the "bridges we have built should be made even stronger" and "stressed the importance of continuing to work closely towards deradicalisation". UAE is the first country in the Gulf to adopt the RuPay card and the third country globally after Singapore and Bhutan to adopt it. RuPay Card will be accepted at 175,000 merchant acceptance locations and 5,000 ATM and cash access locations within the UAE. The adoption of RuPay card will help Indian tourist, who will be visiting the country, and businesses there. The UAE receives close to 3 million Indian tourists annually and the adoption of RuPay card in the West Asian country will lower the charges as Indians tourists will save on the exchange rate. Abu Dhabi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi conferred with Order of Zayed, UAE's highest civilian award by Crown Prince, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. pic.twitter.com/tezAhEDtJU — ANI (@ANI) August 24, 2019 × The RuPay card was launched in the presence of the Indian community who pledged support to invest in Kashmir Investment Summit. "At the business roundtable in Abu Dhabi with NRI businessmen based in the UAE, PM urged them to invest in India, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir and Laddakh, in view of the recent changes. The NRI business community demonstrated their enthusiasm in this regard." External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said. Indian PM and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi also released postage stamps on Mahatma Gandhi to commemorate his 150th birth anniversary in the UAE. This is PM Modi's third visit to the UAE. We have historical and comprehensive strategic ties with India, reinforced by the pivotal role of my dear friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who gave these relations a big boost. In appreciation of his efforts, the UAE President grants him the Zayed Medal. — محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) April 4, 2019 × In a tweet the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed said that PM Modi has been conferred the award for boosting India-UAE ties. He tweeted, “We have historical and comprehensive strategic ties with India, reinforced by the pivotal role of my dear friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who gave these relations a big boost. In appreciation of his efforts, the UAE President grants him the Zayed Medal.” Ministry of External Affairs: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first engagement in the United Arab Emirates was the launch of Rupay card, it is the first time the Rupay card is being launched in the Middle East. pic.twitter.com/epGqhm3W2h — ANI (@ANI) August 24, 2019 × Modi first visited the country in August of 2015 which was followed by the visit of Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in 2016. The following year the Crown Prince was the chief guest at India's republic day parade and again in 2018 PM Modi visited the country and was the chief guest at the sixth World Government Summit in Dubai.

UAE honours PM Modi with highest civilian award 'Order of Zayed'

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide-ranging talks with Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Saturday as the two sides signed five agreements including a historic pact awarding a consortium of Indian oil companies a 10 per cent stake in offshore oil concession.</p>

<p>Modi, who arrived here from Jordan on the second leg of his three-nation tour, was received by Mohammed Bin Zayed and other members of the Royal family at the airport. The two leaders hugged each other and exchanged pleasantries.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">India and UAE sign five key agreements. <a href="https://t.co/Lhe5TsfNOr">https://t.co/Lhe5TsfNOr</a><br />
<br />
via NMApp <a href="https://t.co/n9LF1UUQsQ">pic.twitter.com/n9LF1UUQsQ</a></p>
&mdash; PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/962401299651268609?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Prime Minister thanked the Crown Prince for the special gesture of receiving him at the airport and said his visit will have a positive impact on India-UAE ties.</p>

<p>&quot;We warmly welcome our state guest and valued friend, the Indian Prime Minister H.E.@narendramodi to the UAE. His visit reflects our longstanding historical ties and is testament to our friendly bilateral relationship,&quot; Mohammed Bin Zayed, also the Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, tweeted.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Modi, who is here on his second visit to the UAE, held wide-ranging talks with Mohammed Bin Zayed at the Royal Palace.</p>

<p>Modi is the first foreign leader to be invited to the palace by the Crown Prince, who appreciated the role played by Indian workers in the development of UAE as a modern nation, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.</p>

<p>Modi had first visited the UAE as prime minister in August, 2015.</p>

<p>After their talks, the two sides signed five agreements related to energy sector, railways, manpower and financial services.</p>

<p>An MOU between Indian Consortium (OVL, BPRL &amp; IOCL) and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) was signed for the acquisition of a 10 per cent participating interest in the Abu Dhabi&#39;s offshore Lower Zakum Concession, a statement issued by the Indian embassy here said.</p>

<p>The concession will be for 40 years from 2018 to 2057. Sixty per cent of the participating interest will be retained by ADNOC and remaining 30 per cent will be awarded to other international oil companies, the statement said.<br />
&quot;This is the first Indian Investment in upstream oil sector of UAE, transforming the traditional buyer-seller relationship to a long-term investor relationship,&quot; it added.</p>

<p>To cooperate in the field of manpower, India and the UAE signed an MoU that aims to institutionalise the collaborative administration of contractual employment of Indian workers in the Gulf country.</p>

<p>Under the MoU, both the sides will work to integrate their labour related e-platforms for ending the existing malpractices, combat trafficking and organise collaborative programs for education and awareness of contractual workers.<br />
An MoU for technical cooperation in railways was also signed between the two sides. The MoU aims at cooperation in infrastructure sector especially railways.</p>

<p>&quot;The MoU will facilitate development of joint projects, knowledge sharing, joint research and technology transfer. The MoU envisages formation of a Joint Working Group for institutionalising the cooperation mechanism,&quot; the statement said.</p>

<p>To deepen bilateral cooperation in the field of finance, an MoU between Bombay Stock Exchange and Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange was also signed. It aims at enhancing cooperation between both the countries in financial services industry.</p>

<p>The MoU would facilitate investment in financial markets by investors from both the countries.</p>

<p>An MoU between Government of Jammu and Kashmir and DP World was also signed to establish multi-modal logistics park and hub in Jammu comprising warehouses and specialised storage solutions.</p>

<p>Various buildings in Abu Dhabi were lit in the Indian tricolor as the city was decked up to welcome Prime Minister Modi, who also attended a state banquet hosted by the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince.</p>

<p>The Prime Minister will visit Wahat Al Karama, the UAE martyr&#39;s war memorial here, tomorrow before travelling to Dubai where he will interact with the Indian community at an event at the Dubai Opera House and will witness the groundbreaking ceremony of the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi. The ceremony will be live-streamed to the Opera House.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Modi will also deliver a keynote address at the World Government Summit in Dubai where India is a guest of honour this year. He will make inaugural address on the theme: &#39;Technology for development&#39;.<br />
On the first led of his trip, Modi earlier in the day travelled to Ramallah, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to make an official visit to Palestine.</p>

<p>In Ramallah, Prime Minister Modi met Mahmoud Abbas during which the Palestinian President sought India&#39;s support for a multi-country mechanism to achieve a &quot;just and desired peace&quot; with Israel in accordance with the two-state solution.</p>

<p>They discussed the full range of India-Palestine ties following which the two sides signed six agreements worth around USD 50 million that includes setting up of a USD 30 million super speciality hospital in Beit Sahur.<br />
From the UAE, Modi will travel to Oman.&nbsp;</p>


Prime Minister Modi, who is here on his second visit to the UAE, held wide-ranging talks with Mohammed Bin Zayed at the Royal Palace.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide-ranging talks with Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Saturday as the two sides signed five agreements including a historic pact awarding a consortium of Indian oil companies a 10 per cent stake in offshore oil concession. Modi, who arrived here from Jordan on the second leg of his three-nation tour, was received by Mohammed Bin Zayed and other members of the Royal family at the airport. The two leaders hugged each other and exchanged pleasantries. India and UAE sign five key agreements. https://t.co/Lhe5TsfNOr via NMApp pic.twitter.com/n9LF1UUQsQ — PMO India (@PMOIndia) February 10, 2018 × The Prime Minister thanked the Crown Prince for the special gesture of receiving him at the airport and said his visit will have a positive impact on India-UAE ties. "We warmly welcome our state guest and valued friend, the Indian Prime Minister H.E.@narendramodi to the UAE. His visit reflects our longstanding historical ties and is testament to our friendly bilateral relationship," Mohammed Bin Zayed, also the Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, tweeted. Prime Minister Modi, who is here on his second visit to the UAE, held wide-ranging talks with Mohammed Bin Zayed at the Royal Palace. Modi is the first foreign leader to be invited to the palace by the Crown Prince, who appreciated the role played by Indian workers in the development of UAE as a modern nation, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted. Modi had first visited the UAE as prime minister in August, 2015. After their talks, the two sides signed five agreements related to energy sector, railways, manpower and financial services. An MOU between Indian Consortium (OVL, BPRL & IOCL) and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) was signed for the acquisition of a 10 per cent participating interest in the Abu Dhabi's offshore Lower Zakum Concession, a statement issued by the Indian embassy here said. The concession will be for 40 years from 2018 to 2057. Sixty per cent of the participating interest will be retained by ADNOC and remaining 30 per cent will be awarded to other international oil companies, the statement said. "This is the first Indian Investment in upstream oil sector of UAE, transforming the traditional buyer-seller relationship to a long-term investor relationship," it added. To cooperate in the field of manpower, India and the UAE signed an MoU that aims to institutionalise the collaborative administration of contractual employment of Indian workers in the Gulf country. Under the MoU, both the sides will work to integrate their labour related e-platforms for ending the existing malpractices, combat trafficking and organise collaborative programs for education and awareness of contractual workers. An MoU for technical cooperation in railways was also signed between the two sides. The MoU aims at cooperation in infrastructure sector especially railways. "The MoU will facilitate development of joint projects, knowledge sharing, joint research and technology transfer. The MoU envisages formation of a Joint Working Group for institutionalising the cooperation mechanism," the statement said. To deepen bilateral cooperation in the field of finance, an MoU between Bombay Stock Exchange and Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange was also signed. It aims at enhancing cooperation between both the countries in financial services industry. The MoU would facilitate investment in financial markets by investors from both the countries. An MoU between Government of Jammu and Kashmir and DP World was also signed to establish multi-modal logistics park and hub in Jammu comprising warehouses and specialised storage solutions. Various buildings in Abu Dhabi were lit in the Indian tricolor as the city was decked up to welcome Prime Minister Modi, who also attended a state banquet hosted by the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince. The Prime Minister will visit Wahat Al Karama, the UAE martyr's war memorial here, tomorrow before travelling to Dubai where he will interact with the Indian community at an event at the Dubai Opera House and will witness the groundbreaking ceremony of the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi. The ceremony will be live-streamed to the Opera House. Prime Minister Modi will also deliver a keynote address at the World Government Summit in Dubai where India is a guest of honour this year. He will make inaugural address on the theme: 'Technology for development'. On the first led of his trip, Modi earlier in the day travelled to Ramallah, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to make an official visit to Palestine. In Ramallah, Prime Minister Modi met Mahmoud Abbas during which the Palestinian President sought India's support for a multi-country mechanism to achieve a "just and desired peace" with Israel in accordance with the two-state solution. They discussed the full range of India-Palestine ties following which the two sides signed six agreements worth around USD 50 million that includes setting up of a USD 30 million super speciality hospital in Beit Sahur. From the UAE, Modi will travel to Oman.

PM meets Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi; India, UAE sign 5 agreements