Abu Dhabi: The nearly 1.7-million-strong Indian community in the UAE is thrilled at the visit of the Indian President in the UAE.

Preparations are in full swing at the venues where Pratibha Patil will be addressing the community.

Her first public meeting, after arrival, will be at the Indian Social and Cultural Centre (ISC) at 7pm on Monday, the largest Indian community organisation in Abu Dhabi.

"We think the ISC is the right place for the president to meet the community in the capital as she can get the right perception about compatriots from all walks of life," said M. Thomas Varghese, President of ISC.

He said that although the newly built centre did not need any special arrangements to welcome the president, some decorations are being put up. "Members are thrilled about this historic occasion. It's a presidential visit after years (after the visit of Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam in 2003). We are happy to witness the occasion," Varghese said.

At 10am on Tuesday, Patil will address pupils from various Indian schools at the Abu Dhabi Indian School.

The President will inaugurate the new building of the Indian Islamic Centre at 11am.

The Dh12 million building, funded by the Abu Dhabi Government, boasts a rare privilege of being blessed by two prominent Indian women leaders. Its foundation stone was laid by the late Indira Gandhi — the first woman Prime Minister of India in 1981 — and now it is being inaugurated by the first woman president of India.

Itinerary

- Sunday: At 8pm, arrival in Abu Dhabi

- Monday morning: Official meetings

- 7pm: Addresses the Indian community at the Indian Social and Cultural Centre (ISC)

-  Tuesday, 10am: Interaction with pupils at Abu Dhabi Indian School

- 11am: Inauguration of Indian Islamic Centre, Abu Dhabi

- 12 noon: Business meeting by Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry at Emirates Palace hotel

-  7pm: Launch Indian Workers' Resource Centre at India Club, Dubai, during a reception for the Indian community hosted by M.K. Lokesh, Indian Ambassador to the UAE

- Wednesday: Official meetings in Dubai in the morning

-  6.15pm: Visit to Dubai Men's College in Dubai Academic City

-  Thursday, 10:30am: Inauguration of Indian Trade Exhibition Centre in Sharjah.

- 12.15pm: Business meeting with Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry