Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who  is on a two-day UAE vist, arrived in Abu Dhabi on Sunday (16 August).

He was arrived at the VIP airport in Abu Dhabi by the Crown Prince  Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The crown prince reportedly by-passed the official protocol. As per the rules,  a visiting dignitary to the country is welcomed by the foreign ministry head Sheikh Abdullah, who is Crown Prince's brother.

Modi is now the first Indian PM to visit the UAE after 34 years. The last PM to visit the UAE was Indira Gandhi in 1981.

The Modi's UAE visit has a significant diplomatic relevance as it comes ahead of President Pranab Mukhrerjee's trip to Israel in October. Mukherjee will also visit Palestine and Jordan.

"UAE is a valued partner and the extent of our ties indicate the vibrant relations India and UAE enjoy - India is UAE's second largest trading partner and UAE is India's third largest trade partner," PM Modi said in a statement on Thursday.

Delegates Accompanying Modi

Narendra Modi is accompanied by a delegation comprising of National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar, Ministry of External Affairs Secretary-East Anil Wadhwa, Ambassador T.P. Seetharam, Joint Secretary for External Publicity Vikas Swarup, Joint Secretry-Gulf Thanglura Darlong, Special Protection Group Director Vivek Srivastava, Joint Secretary to the Prime Minister Jawed Ashraf, Private Secretary to the Prime Minister Sanjeev Singla and Prime Minister's Office Director Deepak Mittal.

Live Updates - Modi in UAE 

8.45 PM: Narendra Modi takes selfie at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi

8.40 PM: Large crowd assembles at  Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to Modi (Video)

8.30 PM: Modi breaks protocol to meet Indians at sheikh zayed mosque. People souting modi-modi

 

8.20  PM:  Modi visits Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

6.30 PM: B R Shetty, one of the richest Indians in UAE pays a call on Modi.  Shetty is the Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director of the Abu Dhabi based New Medical Centre Group of Companies and UAE Exchange (Nistula Hebbar ‏@nistula)

6.00 PM:   Modi and Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan are currently at Emirates Palace for formal talks. Modi is expected to spend the night there before his Dubai visit.

5.45 PM:  Modi inspects guard of honour in Abu Dhabi [Photos]

5.30 PM: Modi is to Visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. As the country's grand mosque, it is the key place of worship for Friday gathering and Eid prayers. During Eid it can be visited by more than 40,000 people.

5.05 PM:  I deeply appreciate kind gesture of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who received me at the airport - Narendra Modi on Twitter

4.55 PM: Modi tweets in Arabic says - confident that the visit will strengthen India and UAE relations

4.53 PM Five brothers of Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahaya also came to welcome Modi in Abu Dhabi

4.50 PM  Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahaya came to the Abu Dhabi airport to receive Modi

4.40 PM After 34 Years an Indian PM has set foot in UAE

4.35  PM  Narendra Modi Receives Ceremonial Welcome at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport in UAE.  Crown Prince of UAE, Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahaya gave a grand welcome to PM, breaking protocol.  (via The Hindu)

4.25 PM: Modi has Arrived in Abu Dhabi

4.05 PM: Aircraft carrying Indian PM Modi has entered UAE airspace

3.30 PM:  Preparations have been made at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi to receive  Modi           

3.20 PM: Indians in UAE ask for NRI Voting Rights

Abdulla Madumoole ‏@AMadumoole

On this historic visit of Indian PM to UAE, I request on behalf of 3 million NRIs - pls implement SC granted NRI voting rights. #ModiinUAE

2.25 PM: VIP security team for Modi would be driving Suzuki GSX 1000cc and Yamaha FJR 1300cc. (via KT)

2.20 PM: Female and male police officers, who have undergone special training, will be on duty to  ensure security for Modi.

2.18 PM: "UAE is a mini India, both countries are pluralistic societies" Modi to KT. [Read More]

2.15 PM:  "The Gulf region is vital for India's economic, energy and security interests," Modi told Khaleej Times in an Interview. 

2.10 PM: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for a "comprehensive strategic partnership" with the UAE and warned against "outside interference" in the Middle East. Ahead of his two-day visit to the United Arab Emirates Modi also described the UAE as a "Mini India" and vowed to build a "regular and effective cooperation in ... security challenges". [Read More]

2.05 PM: In Abu Dhabi, Narendra Modi will will also discuss security issues related to jihadi terror with Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed.

2.00 PM: Modi will visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque at 6.30pm and ICAD workers accommodation in Musaffah at 7pm(local time).

1.45 PM: Modi will reach Abu Dhabi at around 2.30 pm (local time).

1.30 PM : Narendra Modi has boarded the flight and is on the way to Abu Dhabi

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