After Ayodhya, Abu Dhabi Gets Ready With Its Own Grand Temple, Says 'Ahlan Modi'

While the preparations for Pran Pratishtha (consecration) ceremony at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya are on full swing, Abu Dhabi is also preparing to inaugurate the largest temple in the United Arab Emirates. The ceremony will take place on February 14 and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to the UAE Capital to inaugurate the magnificent building. The UAE officials are pretty excited about the event, which will highlight the pluralistic nature of the Arab country.

The inauguration of the BAPS Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi next month will be a monumental day to "celebrate tolerance and acceptance," said the Ambassador of the UAE to India Abdulnasser Alshaali.

BAPS Temple, Abu Dhabi

"We are looking forward to the inauguration on February 14¡­ it's going to be a phenomenal monumental day, a special occasion to celebrate tolerance, acceptance, and to further strengthen this relationship," Ambassador Alshaali told PTI.

The event is titled 'Ahlan Modi,' which translates to 'Hello Modi'

PM Modi was invited by Swami Ishwarcharandas and Swami Brahmaviharidas, who extended the invitation on behalf of the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Hindu Mandir.

A large number of Indian diaspora is expected to join the gathering scheduled at the Sheikh Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi on February 13.

According to the UN's International Migration 2020 report, the UAE boasts the largest Indian diaspora population at 3.5 million, surpassing the United States of America (2.7 million) and Saudi Arabia (2.5 million).

BAPS Temple, Abu Dhabi

India-UAE business ties

The UAE-India Business Summit, held under the theme of ¡°Two Nations, One Vision¡±, took place on the side-lines of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024.

Among the key outcomes of the Summit, the ceremonial launch of the UAE-India CEPA Council (UICC) took place in the presence of His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, the UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, and The Honourable Shri Piyush Goyal, the Indian Minister of Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and Textiles.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, the UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, stated, ¡°The launch of the UAE-India CEPA Council underlines the strength of our economic partnership. The Council is a testament to the shared vision of creating a dynamic and resilient economic relationship, driving sustainable growth, and prosperity for both our nations.¡±

"The first three MoUs are in healthcare, renewable energy to develop 60 gigawatts of projects, and the fourth is in terms of allocating land for the food parks project as part of the I2U2," the UAE ambassador said.

"There will always be tangible outcomes when it comes to the relationship between the UAE and India. It's not a matter of how or what is going to happen," the ambassador emphasised.

He further stated that defence is a "natural area of cooperation" between the two countries.

With inputs from PTI