Narendra Modi’s UAE visit On Day 1, PM to head to mosque, meet Indians at labour camp

The visit to the labour camp, spread over 14 sq km, is also significant when seen against the backdrop of the political equations at home. Most Indians living in the camp hail from Bihar, Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Each of these states is politically significant for Modi and the BJP. Bihar, for instance, is gearing up for Assembly polls later this year.

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After landing at Abu Dhabi Sunday afternoon, Modi would head to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the largest mosque in UAE. There he would pay homage to the late Sheikh Zayed. Modi would then go to ICAD where he would interact with 300-odd workers behind closed doors. The authorities had sent names of 350 people for the interaction, but the Indian embassy trimmed it to 300.

With barely 24 hours left for the arrival of the first high-profile visitor to the labour camp, the security-in-charge of the complex Jabir—a tall, balding man from Sudan— is busy reviewing arrangements. Following IS bombings in the neighbouring Saudi Arabia, UAE, known to be peaceful, has started feeling the threat of terrorism.

At Jabir’s table is the list of names of people who would get to interact with Modi. The meeting has been hastily arranged. The authorities were informed about the visit just five days ago. So, many Indians residing in the complex stand no chance of meeting Modi.

Among them are Nizamuddin and Arif. That, however, has not dampened Arif’s joy at Modi’s visit. “Of course, we are happy. An Indian PM is visiting the UAE after a long time. Also, he is visiting a labour camp,” Arif said. He added: “We don’t see whether he is from RSS or BJP. We see him as the Prime Minister of India. He is not the prime minister of a party, but of the people.”

Mohammad, a taxi driver, said Modi’s visit will boost the morale of the migrant Indians. However, he added that the PM should have visited a nearby labour camp where facilities are not at par with the ICAD camp. “He could have seen the real issues faced by migrants here,” he said.

Modi is scheduled to visit Madsar, a zero carbon city Monday. He will also meet Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and ruler of Dubai and General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of UAE’s Armed Forces.

Discussions on forging joint strategies to deal with the IS threat and negotiations on a long-term oil supply contract are expected to be on the agenda.

Modi will also meet business leaders and officials of Abu Dhabi investment board before visiting Dubai where he would address a diaspora meet.