“When I think of India, I think of family”: Sheikh Hamdan
By KT Abdurabb
For Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, his first official visit to India is more than a diplomatic mission—it feels like coming home.
In a heartfelt reflection ahead of his journey, Sheikh Hamdan—who also serves as the UAE’s Defence Minister—expressed deep admiration for India. “When I think of India, I think of family” he wrote. It’s not just the presence of 3.8 million Indians in the UAE that stirs this sentiment, but centuries of rich cultural and economic ties that have connected the two nations—through trade, shared heritage, and family.
Four Generations of Friendship
The Al Maktoum family’s relationship with India runs deep and personal. Sheikh Hamdan shared that his great-grandfather, Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum Al Maktoum, used to visit India for medical care in the early 20th century—and often extended his stay, simply because he felt at home.
His grandfather, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, strengthened this bond further by issuing Dubai’s first Indian business license in Bur Dubai in the 1960s. Today, Indian entrepreneurs are essential pillars of the UAE’s economic landscape.
Even history speaks of deep-rooted ties. At the 3,000-year-old archaeological site of Saruq Al Hadid in Dubai, Indian beads and ceramics have been discovered—clear signs of vibrant ancient trade and mutual trust.
A Personal Connection
To Sheikh Hamdan, India’s colorful culture and warmth resonate deeply. “The warmth of Indian hospitality and the energy of its people are deeply known to me,” he wrote.
Having lived in the UAE for the past 35 years, I’ve seen this connection firsthand. During my time as a journalist with the Saudi Research and Publishing Group, I often observed how Indian staff—whether senior officials or hospitality professionals—were treated like family in the royal palaces and offices. It’s this graciousness and inclusive spirit that have made the UAE a second home for millions.
From Trade to Technology: A Blossoming Partnership
Beyond emotional ties, Sheikh Hamdan underscored a powerful and modern partnership. The UAE-India CEPA agreement has propelled bilateral trade to $84.5 billion in 2023–24, with a shared goal of reaching $100 billion soon. The UAE’s pledged $75 billion investment in India’s infrastructure further reflects the long-term vision.
Collaboration spans dynamic, future-focused sectors:
Space Exploration: A joint journey between the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre and ISRO.
Digital Finance: Seamless payment integration through UPI and NEOPAY.
Education: Indian institutions like IIT Delhi and IIM Ahmedabad are establishing UAE campuses.
AI & Renewables: Joint initiatives positioning both nations at the forefront of global innovation.
Cricket, Cinema, and Karak Chai
What truly binds people, however, goes beyond policy and trade. From thrilling cricket matches at Dubai’s ICC stadium to Bollywood blockbusters filmed in the Emirates, cultural connections run strong. And then there’s karak chai—as beloved and iconic in the UAE as gahwa itself, symbolizing the blend of traditions.
Shared Dreams, Shared Future
As India advances toward Viksit Bharat 2047 and the UAE pursues its Centennial 2071 Vision, Sheikh Hamdan reflected on the shared ethos: “Greatness isn’t inherited—it’s earned through hard work and innovation.”
From ancient dhows to AI-driven economies, the two nations have evolved together, turning historical ties into a forward-looking alliance. “India brings scale; the UAE delivers speed,” he beautifully put it. “Together, we’re building a bridge to the future.”
What’s on the Agenda Today
During his visit, Sheikh Hamdan is set to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a working lunch and hold high-level discussions with External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Talks will center around expanding economic cooperation and accelerating collaboration in emerging fields such as AI, digital economy, and renewable energy.
Sheikh Hamdan will also attend a business roundtable with top Indian industry figures in Mumbai, focused on boosting ties in both established and futuristic sectors.
India Feels Like Home in the UAE
For Indians in the UAE, life doesn’t feel far from home. Hindi, Tamil, and Malayalam songs and programs have echoed on local radio stations since as early as 1989. Remarkably, six Indian language dailies have been printing in Dubai for over 25 years—testament to a vibrant and rooted community.
As someone who has lived and worked here for more than three decades, I have always felt the UAE’s embrace. Sheikh Hamdan’s visit is not just a diplomatic event—it’s a celebration of friendship, shared values, and a promising future built together.
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