Noura Al Kaabi, UAE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, delighted tens of thousands of attendees at the Emirates Loves India event in Zabeel Park by opening her address in fluent Hindi. Her greeting was met with a thunderous applause from the capacity crowd, setting a warm and celebratory tone for the mega community festival.
A Personal Connection to Indian Culture
Taking to the stage with confidence, the minister greeted the audience with, “Namaste! Aaj aapke saath yahan hona mere liye bahut sammaan ki baat hai,” which translates to, “It is an honour to be in front of you now.” Speaking to reporters after her address, Al Kaabi shared that she practised the phrase with colleagues over the phone and that her mother had encouraged her to say even more.
She explained that her connection to Indian culture began in her childhood. “I grew up watching Bollywood movies,” Al Kaabi said. “It’s easy for me to repeat the words and pronounce them. You’re talking about growing up and watching movies and listening to songs and eating Indian food and being connected with such a rich community.” Despite her comfort with the language, she admitted one regret, stating, “I think it’s a shame that I don’t speak it fluently.”
Celebrating a Historic Friendship
The minister’s speech centred on the deep and enduring relationship between the UAE and India, which she described as being built on “trust, respect and shared aspirations.” She emphasised that the two nations have come together to celebrate a friendship that has stood strong for centuries.
Al Kaabi reflected on the generations of trade and cultural exchange that have shaped the present. “For generations, traders, craftsmen and dreamers crossed the waters between the Gulf and the Indian subcontinent, carrying with them not only goods, but ideas, traditions and hopes,” she noted. “The exchanges created a shared cultural rhythm that still resonates across our society today.” The event itself was a testament to this, with a cultural parade and live music marking Dubai’s grand celebration of the UAE-India bond.
Acknowledging the Indian Community’s Role
A key part of Al Kaabi’s address was her praise for the significant contributions of Indian expatriates to the UAE’s nation-building journey. She highlighted their impact across numerous sectors, from education and healthcare to technology and the arts.
“Indian professionals and families contribute with dedication and excellence,” she stated. “They have built lives, raised generations and helped shape the UAE’s success story.” Al Kaabi added a powerful tribute, saying, “The Indian community is not just part of our story. They have helped write some of the most inspiring chapters in the history of our country.”
She concluded her remarks by reaffirming a commitment to future collaboration and wishing the crowd a “Happy Diwali.” Her speech underscored a shared vision, stating, “Together we will continue to build bridges… May this friendship between our people continue to illuminate the future.”
