Watch: Indian expat marks Republic Day with skydive

A Keralite based in Abu Dhabi took to the skies to celebrate the visit of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, to India on the country's Republic Day.
Sadique Ahmed went skydiving over Palm Jumeirah Island on Wednesday with a message on his T-shirt: #welcome MBZ to India. His T-shirt also featured a picture of Sheikh Mohamed and the message: 'Happy Republic Day' with flags of both nations. He also had messages on his hand and palm.
"I dedicate this to the people of both countries. It was a mind-blowing experience with a breathtaking view. Actually I took some time to settle down after I landed from 13,000 feet," Ahmed told Khaleej Times after his skydive in Dubai on Wednesday.
Ahmed was impressed by skydiving done by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and wanted to try the sport.
"I am a fan of Fazza and admire him. The moment I saw him skydive, I too wanted to do it. My first Skydive experience should have happened last year, but it didn't go through," said the 26-year-old who got skydiving in his bucket list.
Ahmed hoped to skydive on a day of national significance and got to know of another defining occasion - Shaikh Mohamed's India visit.
"I thought there is no better day to make my skydive debut. This is my way of showing my love for both countries."
His plan was to skydive with flags of both countries in his hand, but since that wasn't possible he held it together while landing. "I was instructed not to hold anything while in the sky."
Ahmed had kept his plan under the wraps from his wife, parents and even friends.
"My family would have been scared and would have stopped me from doing this. I will call them now and share videos," Ahmed said.
Ahmed has been in Abu Dhabi for five years and works for Abu Dhabi Gas Industries Limited (Gasco).
"I am what I am because of this country. The UAE is everything to me. My dreams and aspirations are linked to this country's growth and prosperity. This is in all sense my second home," Ahmed added.
Watch Sadiq's skydive in the video below. (Video: Skydive Dubai/Supplied)