Warm relations between the UAE and India go back in time – but there is now an unprecedented momentum with high-level visits between the two countries in the past few years. Narendra Modi's visit this weekend is his second in the last three years.
The visit is expected to have 12 to 14 deals signed between the new nations, critical especially since UAE has the largest NRI (Non-Resident Indian) population in the world.
Gulf News travelled to India ahead of his visit and you can catch up on all that coverage here.
Modi's schedule in the UAE
Saturday: Arrives in Abu Dhabi, witnesses signing of a number of agreements between the UAE and India at the new Presidential Palace.
Sunday: Visits Wahat Al Karama and Dubai Opera. He will also give the keynote address at the World Government Summit before leaving for Oman
In UAE, I will hold talks with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. @HHShkMohd @MohamedBinZayed
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 8, 2018
At the invitation of the leadership of the UAE, I will be addressing the 6th edition of the @WorldGovSummit in Dubai, where India is the Guest Country of Honour. https://t.co/Kq3smWsJp9
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 8, 2018
There will be interactions with leading UAE and Arab CEOs in Dubai on the vast economic opportunities in India and what more can be done together to increase business collaboration.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 8, 2018
UAE and India
Read about defining points in the long relationship between the two nations
Look: A timeline of flourishing UAE-India relations
All you need to know about Modi
Narendra Damodardas Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the UAE in 34 years when he landed here in 2015.
Three years on, he’s poised for a momentous return, to sign between 12 and 14 strategic partnerships on the sidelines of the sixth edition of the World Government Summit in Dubai this weekend.
Modi was born in 1950 in the town of Vadnagar, in the state of Gujarat, India. Born to street hawkers, the man who would take office began his interactions with people as a tea seller.
However, known for a prowess to debate, in his teens he joined student organisation Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), which is affiliated to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
In 1987, he joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and rose through the ranks. He became BJP national secretary in 1998, and used it as a springboard to the mantle of chief minister of Gujarat in 2001.
He had following enough to return to office in the 2007 and 2012 elections.
In 2013, Modi was elected to the Lok Sabha (India’s lower House of Parliament) and by this time the dream of a premiership seemed within reach.
In May 2014, he and his party were victorious, taking 282 of the 534 seats in the Lok Sabha, beating erstwhile leaders Indian National Congress (INC) in the process.
The social media-savvy Prime Minister has since then made headlines for his fashion sense, love for travel and reforms including demonetisation and GST.
He has also become known for a monthly radio show, Mann Ki Baat, and his effusive tweets.
