President Sheikh Mohamed's meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday was an important “opportunity to reconnect” as the two leaders seek to build on the long-standing ties between their nations.
Mr Modi was greeted at the Presidential Airport in Abu Dhabi by Sheikh Mohamed on Tuesday in their first meeting in person since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Mr Modi, once more, extended an invitation to the UAE President to visit India and the dates are being looked at, Sunjay Sudhir, Indian ambassador to the Emirates, told The National.
The interaction, which lasted more than an hour, took place when Mr Modi stopped over in the capital after attending the G7 summit in Germany.
The personal warmth between the leadership is of an exceptional nature
Sunjay Sudhir,
Indian ambassador to the UAE
“It was a fairly long meeting that lasted more than an hour and provided an opportunity for the leaders to reconnect in person after about three years,” Mr Sudhir said.
Modi pays tribute to Sheikh Khalifa
“The prime minister’s intention was to convey his personal condolences to the President and his family on the unfortunate passing of Sheikh Khalifa.
“The primary focus was on reconnecting, conveying condolences and also personal good wishes on being elected as the third President of this great country.”
Mr Modi earlier spoke to Sheikh Mohamed by phone to pay his respects in May.
“The prime minister did reiterate an invitation to the President to visit India sometime in the very near future, depending on his convenience, and we will work on dates through diplomatic channels,” Mr Sudhir said.
“It is a relationship between brothers, so the invitation has been there for sometime.”
Sombre personal visit
The bond between the two leaders was evident in Sheikh Mohamed receiving Mr Modi at the Presidential Airport in Abu Dhabi. The grey carpet on the tarmac signified the sombre nature of the visit.
“The personal warmth between the leadership is of an exceptional nature,” Mr Sudhir said.
The two leaders have met frequently since Mr Modi took office in 2014.
When Mr Modi came to the UAE in 2015, he became the first Indian prime minister to visit in 34 years. His next visits were in 2018 and 2019.
Sheikh Mohamed was the chief guest at India’s Republic Day celebrations in 2017, his second visit in less than a year.
Mr Modi was scheduled to visit Expo 2020 Dubai in January but the plans were cancelled due to a surge in Omicron coronavirus cases in India.
Nations embark on new era of co-operation
“The leaders have been in touch, for instance on February 18, they connected through a virtual summit where they witnessed the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement,” Mr Sudhir said in reference to a trade deal between the two nations.
“This was the launch of an important joint vision statement that is a road map for decades to come. They are visionary leaders who regard each other as valuable partners for the next 50 years at least, going ahead.
“The document collaborates on new energy, investments, FinTech and defence co-operation.”
Tuesday’s meeting between the two leaders was also attended by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed, member of the Executive Council, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon, adviser for special affairs at the Ministry of Presidential Affairs.
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
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The%20specs
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Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
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yallacompare profile
Date of launch: 2014
Founder: Jon Richards, founder and chief executive; Samer Chebab, co-founder and chief operating officer, and Jonathan Rawlings, co-founder and chief financial officer
Based: Media City, Dubai
Sector: Financial services
Size: 120 employees
Investors: 2014: $500,000 in a seed round led by Mulverhill Associates; 2015: $3m in Series A funding led by STC Ventures (managed by Iris Capital), Wamda and Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority; 2019: $8m in Series B funding with the same investors as Series A along with Precinct Partners, Saned and Argo Ventures (the VC arm of multinational insurer Argo Group)
Honeymoonish
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Why are asylum seekers being housed in hotels?
The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.
A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.
Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.
The Home Office provides the accommodation, meaning asylum seekers cannot choose where they live.
When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
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The%20specs
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Suggested picnic spots
Abu Dhabi
Umm Al Emarat Park
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Zayed Sports City
Dubai
Kite Beach
Zabeel Park
Al Nahda Pond Park
Mushrif Park
Safa Park
Al Mamzar Beach Park
Al Qudrah Lakes
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
Paatal Lok season two
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Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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The specs: 2018 Nissan Patrol Nismo
Price: base / as tested: Dh382,000
Engine: 5.6-litre V8
Gearbox: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 428hp @ 5,800rpm
Torque: 560Nm @ 3,600rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 12.7L / 100km
Dunki
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
