'Ahlan Modi': 10 things to know about the iconic event in Abu Dhabi to honour PM Modi

This will be PM Modi's seventh visit to the UAE since 2015 and his third in the last eight months.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his two-day visit to the UAE, is scheduled to interact with the Indian diaspora at the 'Ahlan Modi' event in Abu Dhabi's Zayed Sports City Stadium on February 13.

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The grand event, which has garnered significant interest from the Indian community in Abu Dhabi, had received more than 65,000 registrations initially.

Here are some interesting facts about the much-anticipated event:

• The 'Ahlan Modi' event generated immense enthusiasm within the Indian diaspora, leading organisers to close registrations last week with a turnout exceeding 65,000 attendees.

• According to UAE directive, the number of participants on February 13 will be limited based on the stadium's seating capacity.

• A major attraction of the event will be an exhibition by over 700 cultural artists, providing a vivid portrayal of the extensive diversity within Indian arts. This ensures an inclusive and engaging cultural celebration for all participants.

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• The event will also see the active involvement of over 150 Indian community groups, highlighting the diverse regional cultures of India and the inclusion of numerous blue-collar workers from various emirates.

• The 'Nari Shakti' (women empowerment) within the Indian community in the UAE has demonstrated remarkable solidarity and anticipation, registering in significant numbers and actively promoting the event.

• Earlier, in an interaction with news agency PTI, Sajeev Purushothaman, a community leader, had mentioned that preparations for the event were initially for 80,000 attendees but had to be adjusted to 35,000 due to adverse weather conditions.

• Over 500 buses will be in operation, supported by more than 1,000 volunteers at the venue.

• Earlier, during an interview with ANI, Sunjay Sudhir, the Indian ambassador to the UAE, expressed that there is a strong interest among individuals to hear PM Modi's perspective on 'Viksit Bharat' during the event.

• Jitendra Vaidya, President of the Indian People Forum and the driving force behind the 'Ahlan Modi' initiative, conveying his enthusiasm for the distinctive nature of the occasion, in interaction with ANI, said, "This event stands out as truly unique because it isn't organized by a single entity; rather, it is a collective effort of the entire community. As is evident, the mention of PM Modi draws a large crowd, showcasing the deep affection people have for him".

• With approximately 3.5 million members, the Indian expatriate community constitutes the largest ethnic group in the UAE, making up about 35 percent of the country's population.

While on the visit, PM Modi is scheduled to engage in bilateral discussions with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and will inaugurate the first Hindu temple in the UAE on February 14. Their agenda includes exploring avenues to enhance, broaden, and fortify the strategic alliance between the two nations, along with sharing perspectives on regional and international matters of common concern.