Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a one-day visit to the United Arab Emirates, during which a sumptuous banquet was organized by UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to honor him. Notably, the banquet featured an exquisite full vegetarian spread, specially prepared to cater to the Prime Minister’s dietary preferences. On Saturday, July 15, Prime Minister Modi arrived in Abu Dhabi, following his visit to Paris where he had the privilege of celebrating France’s Bastille Day as a distinguished guest. As a gesture of warm hospitality, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan personally greeted Prime Minister Modi upon his arrival at the airport.
A grand banquet was organized at the Qasr-al-Watan presidential palace in the UAE to honor the presence of the Prime Minister. The culinary affair commenced with a delightful salad consisting of Charles wheat and dates, accompanied by an assortment of fresh, locally sourced organic vegetables. As the starters, the Prime Minister was treated to a delectable dish of grilled vegetables smothered in a rich masala sauce. Meanwhile, the esteemed Indian dignitaries savored a combination of black lentils and local harees (wheat), complemented by tantalizing cauliflower and carrot tandoori, served as the main course. To conclude the meal on a sweet note, the dessert featured a selection of seasonal, locally grown fruits.
“All meals are vegetarian and prepared with vegetable oils, and contain no dairy or egg products,” read the note on menu for the banquet.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his gratitude to his counterpart in the UAE for the gracious hospitality extended to him and the splendid ceremonial welcome organized at the airport.
“Grateful to Crown Prince HH Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for welcoming me at the airport today,” PM Modi wrote on Twitter.
As part of his visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and officials from the UAE will engage in comprehensive discussions concerning global matters. They will also focus on enhancing bilateral relations by strengthening the trade agreement that became effective in May 2022, as stated by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
“I look forward to the deliberations with HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, which will further deepen India-UAE cooperation,” PM Modi tweeted.
During Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the United Arab Emirates, the iconic Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building and a significant symbol of Dubai, was adorned with the vibrant colors of the Indian flag and a projected image of PM Modi. Additionally, a warm message extending a heartfelt welcome to the Prime Minister in the Gulf State was prominently displayed. As part of the visit, India and the UAE are anticipated to declare the initiation of a payment mechanism using the Indian rupee and Emirati dirham, facilitating the settlement of bilateral trade between the two nations.
