Narendra Modi UAE Visit Highlights: ‘UPI payment to begin in UAE soon,’ announces PM
Narendra Modi UAE Visit Highlights: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was addressing the Indian diaspora at the 'Ahlan Modi' event in Abu Dhabi.

Narendra Modi UAE Visit Highlights: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for a two-day visit on Tuesday. In a warm gesture, Modi was received at the airport by President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The two leaders hugged each other. He was later given a guard of honour....Read More
The two leaders also held wide-ranging talks during which they reviewed the strategic partnership, discussed new areas of cooperation and witnessed the signing of several agreements, including a bilateral investment treaty.
Prime Minister Modi also thanked Al Nahyan for his support and his graciousness in granting the land for the construction of the first Hindu stone temple in the country. Modi will inaugurate the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Mandir in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.
The temple is located in Abu Mureikhah near Al Rahba off the Dubai-Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Highway. It has come up on around 27 acres of land in Abu Dhabi and the work for the structure has been going on since 2019. The land for the temple was donated by the UAE government.
Here are some of the major highlights of PM Modi's visit to the UAE
- During Modi's meeting with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the two leaders witnessed the exchange of eight agreements including a Bilateral Investment Treaty, MoU on cooperation in the field of electrical interconnection and trade and an Intergovernmental Framework Agreement between India and UAE on the India-Middle East Economic Corridor.
- Modi also congratulated the UAE President on the launch of the country's domestic card JAYWAN, which is based on the digital RuPay credit and debit card stack.
- Both leaders witnessed a transaction made using the JAYWAN card.
- During his visit, Modi will also participate as a guest of honour in the World Government Summit 2024 in Dubai, where he will deliver a keynote address.
- Modi's visit to the UAE marks his seventh since 2015 and it is his third visit in the past eight months, underscoring the robust ties between the leadership of India and the UAE.
Narendra Modi UAE Visit LIVE: PM greets Indian diaspora
PM Modi greets the Indian diaspora as he leaves after addressing the 'Ahlan Modi' event at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
Narendra Modi UAE Visit LIVE: ‘UPI payment to begin in UAE soon,’ announces PM
Addressing the Indian diaspora during the 'Ahlan Modi' event, PM announces that UPI payment to begin in UAE soon. "It will make seamless payments between India and UAE accounts possible," he adds.
Narendra Modi UAE Visit LIVE: CBSE office in Dubai soon, says PM
Pointing out that over 1.5 lakh Indian students are studying in UAE schools, PM Modi says that a new CBSE office will be opened soon in Dubai.
"More than 1.5 lakh Indian students are studying in UAE schools... Master's course was started at the IIT Delhi campus here last month and a new CBSE office will be opened soon in Dubai. These institutions will be helpful in providing the best education to the Indian community here," the prime minister says.
Narendra Modi UAE Visit LIVE: 'India's achievements belong to every Indian,' says PM
At the diaspora event, PM Modi says that the achievement of India belongs to every Indian across the globe. “I have full confidence in every Indian's strength,” he adds.
Narendra Modi UAE Visit LIVE: PM remembers inaugural visit to UAE
In his speech, Prime Minister Modi took a moment to reflect on his inaugural visit to the UAE in 2015, recalling the warmth and camaraderie extended to him by the Emirati leadership.
Reminiscing on his first official visit to the UAE, PM Modi said: “I remember my first visit in 2015 when it had been only some time since I came to the Centre. It was the first visit of an Indian PM to the UAE, after three decades. The world of diplomacy was new to me.” Read more.
Narendra Modi UAE Visit LIVE: ‘India-UAE relations reaching unprecedented heights,’ says PM
Addressing the Indian diaspora, PM Modi says that relations between India and UAE have reached unprecedented heights. “We are partners in each others' progress,” he says.
Narendra Modi UAE Visit Live: PM on BAPS Hindu temple
"In 2015, when I presented to him (Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed) the proposal to build a temple in Abu Dhabi on behalf of all of you, he immediately said yes to it...now the time has come to inaugurate this grand (BAPS) temple," PM Modi says.
The prime minister will inaugurate the BAPS Mandir tomorrow.
Narendra Modi UAE Visit Live: PM thanks UAE President for his hospitality
PM Modi thanks UAE's President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for warmth and hospitality extended to him.
Narendra Modi UAE Visit Live: 'I'm here to meet my family members today,' says PM
"You have created a new history in Abu Dhabi. You have come from all corners of UAE, and different states of India, but hearts of everyone are connected," PM Modi says while addressing the Indian diaspora at 'Ahlan Modi' event in Abu Dhabi, according to PTI.
He adds: “Let us collect the memories which will be with me and you for the entire life. I have come to meet my family members today.”
Narendra Modi UAE Visit Live: ‘Long live India-UAE friendship,’ says PM
Addressing the Indian diaspora, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said: "Today in Abu Dhabi, you have created a new history. You have come here from all corners of the UAE and different states of India. But everyone's heart is connected. At this historic stadium, every heartbeat, every breath, every voice says - Long live India-UAE friendship..."
Narendra Modi UAE Visit Live: PM begins address
Amid chants of ‘Modi, Modi’, PM Narendra Modi is addressing the Indian diaspora in Abu Dhabi at the Zayed Sports Stadium.
Narendra Modi UAE Visit Live: PM arrives at the Zayed Sports Stadium
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived at the Zayed Sports Stadium in Abu Dhabi for the 'Ahlan Modi' event. He will address the Indian diaspora shortly.
Narendra Modi UAE Visit Live: Visuals from Zayed Sports Stadium in Abu Dhabi
PM Narendra Modi will shortly address the Indian diaspora at Zayed Sports Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
Narendra Modi UAE Visit Live: PM meets Indian diaspora in Abu Dhabi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met members of the Indian diaspora in Abu Dhabi.
“Incredibly honoured by the warm welcome from the Indian Community in Abu Dhabi today. The vibrancy of our diaspora never ceases to amaze me,” he wrote on X.
Narendra Modi UAE Visit Live: PM to address Indian diaspora shortly
A large number of people are present at the Zayed Sports Stadium in Abu Dhabi for PM Modi's 'Ahlan Modi' event. The prime minister will address the Indian diaspora shortly, reports ANI.
Narendra Modi UAE Visit Live: Indian diaspora member hails PM for construction of Ram Temple
A member of the Indian diaspora in UAE tells ANI: "I have come here from Dubai to meet PM Modi. We are very happy. We have brought Ramcharitmanas, if we get a chance we will gift it to PM Modi...The construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya would not have been possible without PM Modi, so we thank him…"
Narendra Modi UAE Visit Live: What Dawoodi Bohra community member said about 'Ahlan Modi' event
On the 'Ahlan Modi' event, Maria, a member of the Dawoodi Bohra community tells ANI: "...Dawoodi Bohras across the world are known for their patriotism. And we are here for Mr Modi. We are very, very happy that he is in our place – Abu Dhabi..."
Narendra Modi UAE Visit Live: Key agreements signed between India and UAE
Several key MoUs/agreements on investment, connectivity, fintech, digital, and culture among others were signed during the bilateral meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Narendra Modi UAE Visit Live: ‘Celebration of our culture,’ UK MP hails 'Ahlan Modi' event in UAE
UK MP Priti Patel lauded the 'Ahlan Modi' event being held in UAE on Tuesday. She said "...I am here at this great celebration for PM Modi, here in Abu Dhabi. This is a wonderful opportunity, a celebration of our culture here in Abu Dhabi. By being here today, I am able to share some of this with my friends, and our diaspora community in the UK..."
Narendra Modi UAE Visit Live: Full list of agreements signed between India and UAE
Here is the full list of agreements signed between India and UAE on Tuesday, according to press release from the ministry of external affairs.
· Bilateral Investment Treaty: This agreement will be a key enabler for further promoting investments in both countries. India has signed both a Bilateral Investment Treaty and a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with UAE.
· MoU on cooperation in the field of electrical interconnection and trade: This opens new areas of collaboration in the field of energy, including energy security and energy trade.
· An Intergovernmental Framework Agreement between India and UAE on the India- Middle East- Europe Economic Corridor : This would build on previous understandings and cooperation on this matter and foster India and the UAE cooperation furthering regional connectivity.
· MoU on cooperation in Digital Infrastructure Projects: This will create a framework for a wide ranging cooperation, including investment cooperation, in the digital infrastructure sector and also facilitate sharing of technical knowledge, skills and expertise.
· Cooperation protocol between the National Archives of the two countries: This protocol will shape extensive bilateral cooperation in this field including restoration and preservation of archival material.
· MoU for cooperation in the field of heritage and museums: This would foster engagement between the two countries aimed at supporting of the Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal, Gujarat.
· Agreement on interlinking of the instant payment platforms - UPI (India) and AANI (UAE): This will facilitate seamless cross-border transactions between the two countries. This follows the MoU on interlinking payment and messaging systems signed in July last year during Hon’ble PM’s visit to Abu Dhabi.
· Agreement on inter-linking domestic debit/credit cards - RuPay (India) with JAYWAN (UAE): An important step in building financial sector cooperation, this will enhance the universal acceptance of RuPay across the UAE.
Narendra Modi UAE Visit Live: Check out this video of PM Modi greeting members of Indian diaspora
Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted members of the Indian diaspora gathered at a hotel in Abu Dhabi. He will address the diaspora during the 'Ahlan Modi' event on Tuesday.
Narendra Modi UAE Visit Live: Members of the Indian diaspora await PM Modi's arrival
Members of the Indian diaspora await PM Modi's arrival at the hotel where the PM will be staying during his visit to Abu Dhabi, reports ANI. See the video.
Narendra Modi UAE Visit Live: PM Modi shares pictures of his meeting with UAE President
On Tuesday, PM Modi was welcomed by UAE President upon his arrival in the country at Abu Dhabi airport. Modi took to X(formerly Twitter) and shared pictures of the moment.
Narendra Modi UAE Visit Live: PM Modi introduces UPI RuPay card service in Abu Dhabi
On Tuesday, during his UAE visit, PM Modi introduced UPI RuPay card service in the presence of UAE President Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Narendra Modi UAE Visit Live: PM Modi hails UAE President's support in construction of BAPS Hindu Mandir
During his meeting with UAE President on Tuesday, PM Narendra Modi said, "The construction of BAPS (Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha) temple here would not have been possible without your support..."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate UAE's first Hindu temple on Wednesday.
Narendra Modi UAE Visit Live: PM Modi thanks UAE President for his visit to Vibrant Gujarat Summit
During his meeting with UAE President on Tuesday , PM Modi thanked him and said "I thank you for accepting my invitation and coming to my home state Gujarat for the Vibrant Gujarat Summit. You have taken this event to new heights and its reputation has increased in the world..."
Narendra Modi UAE Visit Live: MoUs exchanged between India and UAE
Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) was exchanged between India and UAE in the presence of UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Narendra Modi UAE Visit Live: PM Modi holds talks with UAE President
After reaching UAE on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi did a meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Narendra Modi UAE Visit Live: PM Modi lands in Abu Dhabi, accorded Guard of Honour
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reached UAE. He was accorded Guard of Honour.
PM Modi was welcomed by President of UAE Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Narendra Modi UAE Visit Live: Dance forms from several Indian states to be showcased during 'Ahlan Modi' event
Dance forms from several Indian states will be showcased during the 'Ahlan Modi' event to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Some women will perform 'Lezim' folk dance while another group would showcase 'Ghoomar', a traditional Rajasthani dance.
Narendra Modi UAE Visit Live: All you need to know about UAE's first Hindu temple to be inaugurated by PM Modi
- BAPS Hindu Mandir is made from pink Rajasthan sandstone and white Italian marble stone, carved in India and transported to UAE for assembly.
- Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, donated 13.5 acres of land for the construction of the temple during PM Modi's visit to the country in 2015.
- In January 2019, the UAE Government allocated a further 13.5 acres of land, thus making a total of 27 acres of land gifted for the temple.
- The foundation stone for the temple was laid by PM Modi in 2017.
- Seven spires of the temple each symbolise an Emirate of the UAE.
- The temple's complex includes a visitor centre, prayer halls, thematic gardens, learning areas etc.
- The temple has 100 sensors installed in its foundation and more sensors in other areas to check seismic activity, temperature changes, etc.
- The cost of the construction of the temple is estimated to be 400 million United Arab Emirates dirham.
Modi in UAE LIVE: Volunteer at 'Ahlan Modi' gives insights about the event
A member of the Indian diaspora and volunteer at the 'Ahlan Modi' event, Ved Prakash Gupta has provided insights about the programme to be held at Zayed Sports City Stadium in UAE today.
Modi in UAE LIVE: Check out PM Modi's tweet before departing for UAE
Here is what PM Modi tweeted before departing for UAE where he is set to attend bilateral talks between the two countries. He will also inaugurate the first Hindu Mandir in UAE.
BAPS: UAE's first Hindu temple
BAPS Hindu Mandir, the first traditional Hindu stone temple in the Middle East, will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 14 in Abu Dhabi.
Spiritual leader Mahant Swami Maharaj who will preside over the inauguration of the temple reached Abu Dhabi on Monday. Spiritual leader Mahant Swami Maharaj who will preside over the inauguration of the temple reached Abu Dhabi on Monday. Read
‘Ahlan Modi will be a landmark event'
Our gates are yet to open, but people are already standing at each gate of this stadium. I can say this with guarantee that whenever people will remember a public event of PM Modi outside the country, 'Ahlan Modi' will be remembered as a landmark event. The programs will start here around 12 noon (local time). Over 800 participants will perform here today. When we were planning the 'Ahlan Modi' event, we thought of bringing celebrities here but when PM Modi got to know this he said ‘Your people are celebrities’: Jitendra Vaidya, President of the Indian People Forum and Leader of 'Ahlan Modi'
PM Modi departs for Abu Dhabi
PM Modi departs for Abu Dhabi, the Capital of UAE. This is his seventh visit to the UAE since 2015 and the third in the last eight months.
He is scheduled to visit Qatar as well.
PM Modi's pre-departure statement
India, Qatar historically have close and friendly relations: PM Modi in pre-departure statement ahead of visit to UAE, Qatar.
A visual of BAPS Mandir, UAE's first Hindu Temple
A visual of the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Mandir, the first Hindu temple in the UAE, in its Capital, Abu Dhabi.
PM Modi will inaugurate the temple tomorrow.
PM's itinerary for today
11:30 IST: Departure from New Delhi
16:00 IST: Arrival in Abu Dhabi
16:00-17:30 IST: Bilateral engagements
20:00 IST: 'Ahlan Modi' event
IST is 1 hours 30 minutes ahead of UAE time.
‘Looking forward to being among UAE’s Indian diaspora,' tweets PM Modi
We are very proud of our diaspora and their efforts to deepen India’s engagement with the world. This evening, I look forward to being among UAE’s Indian diaspora at the #AhlanModi programme! Do join this memorable occasion: PM Modi on X
BAPS temple Inauguration, key part of PM Modi's UAE visit: Foreign Secretary Kwatra
Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra stated on Monday that the inauguration of the BAPS temple is a significant aspect of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Alongside this event, PM Modi is scheduled to address the Indian community in the UAE at Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi.
He said, “The inauguration programme of BAPS temple is one of the key parts of PM Modi's UAE visit...as per the information available right now, around 2000-5000 devotees are expected to visit the temple on that day.”
As heavy rain lashes UAE, companies asked to take ‘necessary measures’. PM Modi's programmes to be impacted?
UAE authorities have urged private sector firms to implement necessary measures due to the inclement weather, coinciding with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming two-day visit to the country starting Tuesday.
In a statement on X, the UAE's Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) emphasised the importance of ensuring the health and safety of workers during adverse weather conditions.
Modi UAE Visit LIVE: Here's all you need to know about BAPS Hindu Mandir
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the BAPS Hindu Mandir, the first traditional Hindu stone temple in the Middle East, on February 14 in Abu Dhabi.
Spiritual leader Mahant Swami Maharaj, who will oversee the temple's inauguration, arrived in Abu Dhabi on Monday.
Upon his arrival at the airport, Mahant Swami Maharaj received a warm welcome from Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance for the UAE, according to an official press release from BAPS Hindu Mandir.
‘Stone seva’: Indian children in Abu Dhabi giving final shape to gifts for attendees
Over 100 Indian school children here are busy painting "tiny treasure” stones which will be gifted as memoirs to the guests attending the inauguration of the first stone Hindu temple here in the UAE's capital on Wednesday.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi, the first traditional Hindu stone temple in the UAE.
The children have been offering “stone seva” at the temple site every Sunday for three months and are now giving the final touch to the gifts called “tiny treasures”. For 12-year-old Tithi Patel, stone seva is a weekend activity which she enjoys with her friend.
”We collected leftover stones and small rocks at the temple site. We then washed and polished them followed by a layer of primer and then paint. Each rock has a motivational quote on one side and any part of the temple painted on the other side,” she told PTI.
PTI
Hindu Temple In Abu Dhabi: How PM Modi, MBZ turned around India-UAE ties
The India-UAE relationship has significantly evolved under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, culminating in his upcoming inauguration of the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi on February 14. Additionally, he will address the Indian community at the Ahlan Modi event in Sheikh Zayed Stadium on February 13, where economic deals are anticipated to be signed.
The visit follows UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's rare speech at the Vibrant Gujarat Summit. Hindustan Times Executive Editor Shishir Gupta explores the turnaround in India-UAE relations and the significance of PM Modi's visit, along with expected major deals, in the latest edition of Point Blank.
The BAPS Hindu Mandir, the largest outside India, symbolizes the collaborative efforts of UAE's president and PM Modi. Despite being in an Islamic emirate, its intricate design spans 27 acres, reflecting the UAE's tradition of grand structures, evident since PM Modi's 2015 visit to the mosque named after the UAE president's father, the second largest globally after Mecca and Medina.
UAE LIVE | ‘Huge excitement’: Priest at BAPS Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi
Prior to the opening of the BAPS Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi, priest Aksharvatsal Swami expressed significant anticipation among devotees, noting the arrival of individuals from around the globe.
Speaking to ANI, the priest said, “There is huge excitement of inauguration event among devotees and Indians. The whole world was anticipating this event. Devotees from India, Gulf countries, England, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, France and also Africa are coming here.”
Modi in UAE LIVE: UAE Ambassador to India on bilateral ties between both countries
Abdulnasser Alshaali, the ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to India, emphasized the significance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to the UAE, describing it as "very important" for bilateral relations between the two nations.
Alshaali expressed optimism that the visit would elevate the strategic partnership between India and the UAE to new heights. During the two-day visit starting Tuesday, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to engage in extensive discussions with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and inaugurate the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi.
Alshaali said, “This visit is very important. It is very significant in this (India-UAE) relationship. We are honoured and privileged to have the Prime Minister (Modi) come to the UAE to be our guest at the World Government Summit and to inaugurate the BAPS Mandir. I am sure this will further take the relationship to new heights.”
UAE LIVE: ‘Due to goodwill of PM Modi,’ Sonu Nigam says on visit to Abu Dhabi's BAPS Mandir
Singer Sonu Nigam visited the 'BAPS Mandir', the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi ahead of its inauguration on Monday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the BAPS temple on February 14.
Talking to ANI, Sonu Nigam said, “This is absolutely unique; I am at a loss for words. I am very fortunate to have done the darshan... This happened due to the goodwill of PM Modi.”
Modi in UAE LIVE: BAPS leader applauds UAE President for approval of first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi
In anticipation of the grand inauguration of the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, Sadhu Brahmaviharidas, who oversees international relations for the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, extended gratitude to UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his exceptional generosity and openness in facilitating the construction of this historic temple.
As preparations for the temple's inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi are underway, Sadhu Brahmaviharidas highlighted the crucial role played by the UAE leaders' generosity and friendship. He also conveyed deep appreciation for the UAE rulers and leaders, as well as the strong bond between Prime Minister Modi and the leaders of the UAE.
Addressing a press conference in Abu Dhabi, he said, “Well, symbolism is clear and I don't hide it. For a ruler, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to have space in his heart, to allow the first traditional stone temple in this part of the region, in the history of humanity, I think all of us need to join our hands and applaud the rulers and the leaders of this nation.”