FRIENDS INDEED

The relationship between India and the UAE is a testament to the power of diplomacy, trade and people-to-people contact

- MINTU P. JACOB

The UAE witnessed an extraordinary Diwali celebration in 2024, rivalling even the most spectacular celebrations in India itself. Organised by Dubai's economic and tourism department, in collaboration with the Indian consulate in Dubai, the festivities went on for three weeks. Streets were illuminated with dazzling lights, and fireworks lit up the skies—a rare sight in a country where fireworks are usually prohibited in public. The celebrations not only reflected the cultural richness of India, but also highlighted the depth of the long-standing relationship between India and the UAE.

The permission for such grand celebrations, especially the use of fireworks, raises an interesting question: Why are fireworks allowed for Indians when other expatriates are not allowed such privileges? The answer lies in the deep historical and cultural ties between the two nations. For Indians in the UAE, the country has become more than just a temporary home; it is a second home, and for second- and third-generation Indians, it is often the only home they know.

This bond goes beyond recent diplomatic agreements, as it is rooted in a history that spans over 6,000 years. India and the UAE have shared trade routes, cultural exchanges and a connection that predates the formation of the emirates. Before the country's establishment, the Indian rupee was already being used as a medium of exchange in the region, making India one of the earliest partners in the development of what would become the UAE. This enduring historical connection forms the foundation for the UAE's recognition of the Indian community, leading to privileges such as the Diwali celebrations.