VP adds sparkle to Diwali celebration
dubai — The UAE-India bond was glittering as ever on Wednesday, with the UAE Vice-President tweeting his Diwali wishes in Hindi and the Indian Prime Minister responding in Arabic.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, tagged Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and tweeted in both Hindi and English: “On behalf of the people of the UAE. I wish @narendramodi and all who are celebrating Diwali a happy and joyful festival. May the light of love and hope shine on us all.”
In response, the Indian Prime Minister tweeted in Arabic and English: “Thank you for the splendid Diwali wishes, Your Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Wishing you a Happy Diwali as well. Your personal commitment towards robust India-UAE relations adds great strength to our bilateral ties.”
The exchange went viral on social media, with Netizens hailing the deep-rooted ties between the two countries.
Meanwhile, the UAE went all out in celebrating the festival of lights, as fireworks and diyas (earthen lamps) lit up the night sky at multiple venues.
I wish @ narendramodi and all who are celebrating Diwali a happy and joyful festival. May the light of love and hope shine on us all.”
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum,
Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai
The UAE went all out in celebrating the festival of lights, with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, himself leading the call for residents to take part in festivities. In a touching gesture, Sheikh Mohammed tweeted his Diwali wishes in both Hindi and English on Wednesday.
Tagging Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sheikh Mohammed tweeted: “On behalf of the people of the UAE. I wish @narendramodi and all who are celebrating Diwali a happy and joyful festival. May the light of love and hope shine on us all.”
Sheikh Mohammed further encouraged residents to share photos and videos of Diwali celebrations with the hashtag #UAEDiwali.
In response, the Indian prime minister replied in Arabic and English. “Thank you for the splendid Diwali wishes, Your Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Wishing you a Happy Diwali as well. Your personal commitment towards robust IndiaUAE relations adds great strength to our bilateral ties.”
Dubai was transformed into a celebration ground as fireworks and diyas (earthen lamps) lit up the
night at multiple venues. Residents decorated their courtyards and homes with rangoli designs (a decorative pattern on the floor made with coloured powder).
At Al Seef, residents and tourists were treated to a fireworks show and a special Diwali bazaar. The Dubai Creek hosted the emirate’s first official display of Diwali diyalighting ceremony for families.
The celebrations are far from over, though, with festivities slated to continue till Saturday. A world record for the most people lighting up LED lights in a relay will be attempted on Saturday at the heritage stage of Al Seef Dhow Deck.
Colourful performances and activities will also be hosted at the Global Village and Dubai Festival City.