'Win-win situation' raises hopes of mutual benefits

Dubai: The visit of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to India will serve as a win-win situation for both the countries, said prominent expatriate Indians in the UAE.

India, according to them, is sitting on a pool of technocrats that the UAE would be aiming to utilise to take care of its service sector.

Ram Buxani, Group Executive Vice-Chairman of Cosmos, was of the opinion that although the visit of Shaikh Mohammad is important for both the countries in terms of business it will also bridge the gap between India and the Gulf.

'Deep respect'

"Shaikh Mohammad is a Gulf leader. This is evident by the interest he takes in various aspects of the region as well as his own country, be it education or politics. He is there everywhere," said Buxani.

He said Indians have always been respected and given their due credit by the UAE.

"I still recollect the occasion when once Rajiv Gandhi was not in power and had been on a visit to Iran. On his way back he had a brief stop-over in Dubai. Shaikh Mohammad was there to greet him and dinner was hosted in Gandhi's honour at the Hyatt Regency," said Buxani.

Bharatbhai Shah, a veteran Dubai-based Indian social worker, was of the opinion that Indian leaders should reap from the visit of Shaikh Mohammad instead of just standing for a photo shoot.

"Our leaders should not waste this opportunity and discuss things seriously. The time is ripe for both the countries to come together. It is a win-win situation for both of them," said Shah.

K. Kumar, of the Indian Community Welfare Committee, expressed his happiness on the visit and said: "I am happy that at last it happened. It should have happened much earlier. We both have such historical links. These things should take place more often and at regular intervals between the two countries. I see a lot of positive vibes in business and economy."

Rema Menon, director of the Counselling Point, said she was happy about the visit and hoped that it would generate more opportunities in the field of education for both the countries.

"Shaikh Mohammad is a Gulf leader. This is evident by the interest he takes in various aspects of the region as well as his own country."