Mohammed bin Zayed's visit a sign of mutual respect, say Emiratis

Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan waves as he leaves following a ceremonial reception at the presidential palace in New Delhi on February 11

 The high profile state visit of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, to India is viewed by Emiratis as a great gesture in recognising the importance that India and Indians hold for the UAE. Khaleej Times spoke to some Emiratis to know what the visit means to them.
Adullah Abdul Wahed Al Ali, a 41-year-old legal professional, noted that the friendly relations between the UAE and India are hundreds of years old.
"Earlier, we used to go to India for buying everything. Now everyone knows how things have changed in the UAE," he said. The Crown Prince's visit, he said, is a good chance to further develop everything good for the two countries, and the people of the UAE and India.
"We have many brothers from India here ... a lot of investors, professionals as well as workers. Nobody can ignore their contribution in business, investment and in nation building. I'm happy and proud that we have new ministries for happiness and tolerance which will streamline our traditions and laws respecting other religions, people and nationalities. I believe this will also help boost our relations with secular countries like India," said Abdullah.
Fatima Al Qemzi, an analyst of government relations, said it is important to maintain the close relationship the UAE has with India. "They have been our good friends for a long time and the two nations continue to show genuine support to each other," she said.
Khalifa Al Fahim, a senior systems analyst at Gasco, said the fact that the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Shaikh Mohammed with a genuine hug shows just how important the relationship is between the two nations.
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