Indians open up to THE WEEK on their connect with UAE

Inclusive spirit

By Vinay Varma

Abu Dhabi has been my home since 1970. My family and I share a profound love for this city. 

When I first arrived here, the Indian community was relatively small, and there were limitations on what we could bring with us, including holy books and deities. The tremendous progress that the UAE has made, especially in embracing diversity, is truly remarkable. The magnificent BAPS Temple in Abu Dhabi is a testament to that inclusive spirit. It will undoubtedly contribute to the rich tapestry of cultural diversity in the UAE.

The relationship between India and the UAE has grown exponentially in recent times, fostering immense trust between our countries. I vividly remember the time when former prime minister Indira Gandhi visited the UAE. However, in my opinion, it was the historic visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that marked a significant turning point. His genuine camaraderie with the UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has profoundly impacted our nations' ties.

If one strolls through the bustling streets of Abu Dhabi, Dubai and other cities in the UAE, the deep respect and admiration for India and its people are palpable. Indians have played a pivotal role in shaping the UAE into the prosperous nation it is today. The industrious Indian community in the UAE has contributed immensely, working tirelessly to elevate the country further. I am particularly impressed by the architectural marvel that is the BAPS Temple, which not only stands as a testament to human creativity but also carries an essential message to the world. 

Varma is the owner and MD of Chhappan Bhog, an Indian restaurant that has branches across the UAE. 

Playing fair

By N. Sikki Reddy

Whenever I play in the UAE, it feels like I am playing in India. There is so much support for Indians out there. I have played two major tournaments in the UAE: the Abu Dhabi Masters in October, and the Badminton Asia Championship in Dubai in February. Badminton is picking up in the UAE. I see a lot of young talent. There are not many senior players they can look up to, so they are keen to learn the game from us.

The UAE is a good place to be from a tourist’s perspective. I am glad that the ties between our countries are at their best. I hope it gets even better.

Reddy is a badminton player.

Flying the royalty

By Ramandeep Oberoi

When I came to the UAE more than 20 years ago, there were very few Indian pilots in the aviation industry. Most pilots were from the US, Canada, the UK, Australia and New Zealand. Things have changed now, with many Indian pilots and engineers joining companies here.

I came to Abu Dhabi as a helicopter pilot and instructor in the oil & gas industry. After five years as instructor, I was chosen to work with the UAE president’s family. Although I had flown many politicians in India as a VIP helicopter pilot, the privilege to fly the royal family of the UAE was very satisfying. The UAE and its leaders have a good level of trust in India and Indians.

Captain Ramandeep Oberoi is chief operating officer of Falcon Aviation.

Pioneer doctor

By Dr Zulekha Daud

I am privileged to be a pioneering health professional in the UAE, which has been my home since 1963. I am grateful to the rulers of the UAE and the Indian government, which conferred the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman on me in 2019, for the support and recognition of my efforts in developing the health care sector.

We employ thousands of people with varied backgrounds at our hospitals, clinics and pharmacies. With business and cultural exchanges, the India-UAE relations are now stronger.

Daud is the first female Indian doctor in the UAE and founder of the Zulekha Group.

Women feel safe

By Kushboo Sundar

The India-UAE relationship has always been strong, and it will become even stronger under the BJP government.

The UAE offers something new to every visitor. I visit the UAE two or three times a year, and every time there is something new. Travel to Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Ras al-Khaimah, and you get the feeling of being secure. A woman feels so safe.

Laws are strict. Everyone in the UAE is friendly to Indians. You never feel that you are away from home. It makes you comfortable and safe.

Kushboo is an actor and politician.

Something for everyone

By Anand Kumar

While the UAE is a monarchy, the country, its rulers and its people are very friendly and tolerant, leading to an incredibly diversity of people from over 200 countries doing business, living, learning and touring the UAE at any time.

With its superb health care system, state-of-the-art infrastructure, educational institutions and other amenities, the UAE offers a very high standard of living. With relatively low crime rates, it is extremely secure. Indians feel at ease in the UAE. Dubai offers a plethora of events and locations to explore, providing endless entertainment. Indians can visit several spots that make them feel at home.

The country has strong currency, which is pegged to the US dollar and has very little corporate tax and no personal taxes. Even the VAT is a minimal five per cent, making the UAE as one of the least taxed jurisdictions.

Whether it is the tourist destinations or cultural centres, the UAE has something for everyone.

Anand Kumar is a Bollywood filmmaker. 

Wonderful Dubai

By Meghna Naidu

Dubai is my home for more than 13 years now. It is one of the safest, the most beautiful and cleanest places to live in where you can find people from all over the world, which makes it a multi-cultural society.

People from India prefer to move to Dubai, mainly because it is just around three hour flight from most cities in India; people can visit their homes whenever they want to. Everything is easily accessible in the UAE, and it is one of the best places to have your children grow up. There is so much to do here in the UAE.

I know many people who have told me that they will come to Dubai for a few years and then go back to their home country, but that never happens. Dubai is such a wonderful place, and I can't thank the UAE government enough for making us, the expats, feel at home.

Naidu is an actor.