Coinciding with India’s Republic Day celebrations which falls on January 26 of each year, UAE has lighted up its most important landmarks in the various emirates with the colors of the Indian flag, as the UAE capital Abu Dhabi lighted up the Sheikh Zayed Bridge with the colors of the Indian flag as well as the Al Ain city of the capital Abu Dhabi also lighted up its main building with the colors of the Indian flag. The most important landmarks of the Emirate of Dubai were decorated with the colors of the Indian flag, as the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest tower, was lighted up with the colors of the Indian flag, as participating the Indian side in its celebrations, which had a positive impact for the Indian community exceeding three million Indians residing in UAE, expressing the depth of the relations that bind the two countries, which rose up to the level of strategic partnership in all fields.
His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, has sent a message of congratulations to the President of the Republic of India. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, have also sent similar messages of congratulations to the President of the Republic of India and the Prime Minister. In addition, His Excellency the UAE Ambassador to India Dr. Ahmed Al-Banna attended the Republic Day celebrations of India and witnessed the parade of the Indian forces. HE the Ambassador also attended the reception organized by the President of India and the Prime Minister on this occasion.
In the economic field, the trade relations between the two countries are witnessing remarkable growth and development, as UAE is the third trade partner of India after China and the United States of America. The bilateral trade between the two countries is expected to reach up to 100 billion dollars in 2020. During August 2019, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, conferred the ‘Order of Zayed’ on the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in recognition of his role in strengthening ties of friendship and cooperation between the two countries. The Zayed award is the highest medal awarded by the UAE leaders to the leaders and heads of states. Occasion of the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi a postage stamp was issued, in addition to the inauguration of the Zayed Gandhi Digital Museum, as an initiative to strengthen relations and cultural heritage between the two countries.
