If New York stands as America’s biggest apple, Mumbai is the Indian or even Asian biggest apple. Delhi, for example, is no more than countryside compared to this metropolis.
Open a hotel window in the morning and you see Mumbai’s urban landscape, new and old buildings, streets crowded with people and vehicles. This is the financial capital of India and a key destination of businessmen and a hub of bourses and investments.
Mumbai or Bombay, whatever you may call it, has a long association with Emiratis. Emiratis used to travel to this megacity for trading, tourism and medical treatment. Moreover, many of them have relocated and studied or were even born here.
Colaba Street, for example, is a very well-known landmark for us. This vital area is famous for perfumes, oud and textile shops, popular among tourists.
In short, Mumbai constitutes a miniature of the great India. Although it looks like a rich city as is clear from its hotels, buildings and shops, there are still manifestations of poverty, which pose a burden on the metropolis.
The megacity is deemed a premier destination for a lot of people looking for jobs and a living from the Indian subcontinent. Some of them land jobs but others join the ranks of the poor, taking shelter in streets and alleys.
I still remember the slums located along the airport road. They are packed with thousands of people living miserable lives. A new road with new bridges. it takes you from the airport to the heart of the city without noticing the poor people.
The city still receives and accommodates Indian migrants from around the country. It is not surprising that some of them think beyond the Arabian Sea as it is the Indian gateway to the entire world and was once the springboard for a lot of people who migrated to foreign lands in search of job and business opportunities.
Today, the Indian people have become a significant workforce all over the world, especially in the Gulf States. They support their country’s economy by helping their families or establish their own businesses abroad.
Most interestingly, many of the early Indian expats have become role models. They are now prominent businessmen and are part of the top layer of Indian society. Many of them welcomed His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, during his visit to the city’s stock market.
The big apple creates great opportunities and wealth, not just poverty.
