Carnival atmosphere as 40,000 Indians pack into Zayed Sports City Stadium
▶ Supporters praise Modi’s ‘incredible vision’ as they arrive hours early for chance to hear speech
A carnival atmosphere filled Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi yesterday, before an appearance by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
About 40,000 Indian citizens gathered in the stadium to hear a speech by their country’s leader in the evening.
The appearance was part of a two-day visit to the UAE by Mr Modi. Today he will speak at Dubai’s World Governments Summit of global leaders, before inaugurating Abu Dhabi’s landmark Hindu temple in Abu Mureikha area, between the capital and Dubai.
Hours before Mr Modi’s scheduled appearance, Indian families from across the Emirates gathered, chanting, “Modi, Modi”.
Some told The National that they arrived at the stadium at 10.30am for the appearance, which was scheduled for 6pm.
“I wanted to be here early because I’m so excited and happy to get a chance to hear him speak,” said Shilpa Shenoy, an Abu Dhabi resident who works in the oil and gas sector.
She said Mr Modi’s message was “vasudeva kutumbakam” – which translates as the whole world is one family.
“I really believe that you can be from any part of India but the message is for the world and for all Indians to unite.”
Groups from all over India danced and sang along to popular Bollywood songs at the community event – called Alhan Modi – for the diaspora,
A colourful parade and dancers kept crowds entertained in the hours leading up to Mr Modi’s arrival.
Wearing a sari with the colours of the Indian tri-colour, Neha Pandey described the Prime Minister as a “great leader” who works to build good relations with the UAE, other Gulf nations and the wider world.
“He is incredible because of his vision not only for India but for the world,” said Ms Pandey, who owns a small fashion business in the UAE.
“For so many years, he has been building more friendship between the UAE and India, and all over the Gulf.
“This is something I feel we can all learn from him.”
Others celebrated the event by wearing T-shirts in the colours of the Indian flag and having the tricolour painted across their faces.
Srinivas Kini, an engineer who has lived in the UAE for nearly 30 years, said there were always lessons to be learnt from Mr Modi – particularly during the current times of conflict and unrest.
Mr Modi has a global reputation of being a dependable leader in a time of crisis – he always has a solution, said Mr Kini.
“This is very much like what we see in the UAE with the leadership of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed.
“We are blessed that both leaders are close friends and really proud to see how the relationship has grown.”
Part of a large group of friends sporting orange Indian kurta long shirts, Mr Kini said he was keen to know how non-resident Indians could contribute to their country’s prosperity.
India is the fifth largest economy in the world, based on 2024 GDP rankings.
“He has shown us his road map for India and how he wants our country to progress,” said Mr Kini.
“India is currently fifth in the world and he has spoken about taking us to number three. I would like to know how we as NRIs can actively help in reaching these objectives.”
There were people who had travelled from India in the noisy crowd, spread across the stands. They cheered cultural performances and many shouted “Bharat mata ki jai” – long live Mother India.
Chethana Prahbi, a homemaker from the west coast port city of Mangaluru, was in Abu Dhabi to hear Mr Modi speak and for the inauguration of the capital’s first Hindu temple.
“I’m just proud to be Indian and to have a prime minister who has a great vision for India and big plans for the country and us as people,” Ms Prahbi told The National.
Ms Prahbi lived in the UAE for more than 30 years with her banker husband before he retired and they returned to India.
“The UAE and India having such a close friendship is important for us,” she added.
Srinivas Kini, an engineer who has lived in the UAE for nearly 30 years, said there were always lessons to be learnt from Mr Modi