Abu Dhabi Hindu temple honors Indian contribution to UAE, says Minister Nahyan

UAE Minister Acknowledges Indian Diaspora’s Vital Role in Economy, Culture, and Global Relations

Abu Dhabi, UAE: The UAE’s economic and social structure has been greatly influenced by the Indian diaspora, which has also strengthened the close ties between India and the UAE. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, the UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, spoke at the Indiaspora Forum For Good in Abu Dhabi. He emphasized India’s strong relationship with the UAE and its growing worldwide importance.

During the event, Sheikh Nahyan released a comprehensive report titled “From Ancient Legacy to Modern Triumphs: The Indian Diaspora in the UAE,” compiled by Indiaspora in collaboration with the Boston Consulting Group (BCG). The report explores the contributions of Indian expatriates across various sectors, including business, technology, education, healthcare, and culture, highlighting their integral role in the UAE’s economic development.

Indian Diaspora: A Pillar of UAE’s Growth
Nearly one-third of the UAE’s population is Indian, and they have led the way in important economic fields like digital transformation, financial technology, and artificial intelligence (AI). Their efforts have helped the UAE become a major international center for commerce over the years.

With India as the UAE’s second-largest trading partner and the UAE as India’s third-largest trading ally, commerce between the two countries has exploded. There is a strong economic cooperation between the two countries, as seen by the $84 billion in bilateral trade and FDI data. India received more than $16 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) from the United Arab Emirates between 2000 and 2023, whereas the same period saw $19 billion in Indian investments in the UAE.
. In 2023 alone, Indian expatriates in the UAE sent $22 billion in remittances back home, accounting for 18% of total global Indian diaspora remittances.

A Testament to Inclusivity: The BAPS Hindu Temple
Sheikh Nahyan emphasized the BAPS Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi, which was formally dedicated in February 2024, as a way to honor the achievements of the Indian population. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2018 visit to the UAE enabled the construction of the largest temple of its kind possible.

The temple, according to Sheikh Nahyan, is a representation of the UAE’s respect for the Indian minority and the country’s cultural and religious diversity. “The Indian community has significantly contributed to our economy, and it is only fitting that we recognize and respect their cultural and spiritual heritage,” he said.

Sunjay Sudhir, the Indian ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, repeated these remarks, highlighting how the UAE has always been a friendly country that celebrates cultural variety. The UAE already has a number of gurdwaras and churches, which reflects the country’s dedication to religious unity, he said, adding that while the BAPS temple is an important milestone, it is not the first site of worship for Indians.

Increasing Economic Diplomacy and Global Influence
Sheikh Nahyan also commended India for its active participation in regional peace and cooperation as well as its expanding global impact. He highlighted how India’s strategic alliances are promoting stability in the area and cited the Abraham Accords as an illustration of India’s involvement in influencing Middle Eastern geopolitics.

The Indiaspora Forum For Good, which will take place from February 24 to 26, is a significant gathering place for more than 700 leaders from 34 nations, including politicians, corporate executives, and cultural figures of Indian descent. The gathering, which has been compared to a “Davos for the Indian diaspora,” centers on India’s growing influence in international politics and the economy.

Indiaspora’s founder M.R. Rangaswami and executive director Sanjeev Joshipura underscored the organization’s mission of bridging India with the world, particularly through economic collaboration and cultural diplomacy.

Former Indian Ambassador to the US Harsh Shringla acknowledged Indiaspora’s contributions in strengthening international ties, especially between India and the United States.He gave the organization credit for advancing India’s global goals, encouraging foreign investments, and cultivating stronger economic ties.

Embracing Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’s Spirit
Serving as the goodwill ambassador for the Indiaspora, Bollywood actor and entrepreneur Vivek Oberoi compared the event to a contemporary Maha Kumbh, encapsulating India’s ancient idea of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—”The world is one family.”

The UAE is an excellent illustration of how Indian expats are influencing the global economic and cultural environment, and India’s diaspora continues to be at the center of global transition as the country continues to grow as a major economic powerhouse.