UAE Minister’s Hindi Greeting Wins Hearts at Dubai’s India Festival
<h3><strong>Noura Al Kaabi’s Hindi Speech Steals the Show at ‘Emirates Loves India’ Celebration in Dubai</strong></h3><p>Dubai: It was a moment that captured the spirit of friendship and unity between the UAE and India. <strong>Noura Al Kaabi</strong>, UAE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, won hearts on Sunday night when she addressed a crowd of more than <strong>100,000 people</strong> at Dubai’s <strong>Zabeel Park</strong> — and began her speech in <strong>Hindi</strong>.</p><p>Her opening words, <i>“Namaste! Aaj aapke saath yahan hona mere liye bahut sammaan ki baat hai”</i> (“It is an honour to be with you here today”), drew <strong>thunderous applause</strong> from the audience gathered for the <strong>‘Emirates Loves India’</strong> mega cultural event.</p><p>The spontaneous cheer that followed reflected the warmth and affection shared between the two nations, as Al Kaabi’s message bridged cultures through language, emotion, and sincerity.</p><h4><strong>A moment that resonated deeply</strong></h4><p>Speaking to <i>Gulf News</i> after her address, Al Kaabi shared the backstory behind her Hindi greeting.<br>“This happened thanks to repeating that beautiful sentence I had with colleagues on the phone,” she said with a smile. “And my mother encouraged me to say more. She told me to say: ‘<i>Tum kaise ho? Hum tumse pyaar karte hain!</i>’ — meaning ‘We love you’.”</p><p>The gesture instantly went viral among attendees, with many calling it a <strong>“historic and heartwarming moment”</strong> that symbolized genuine cultural respect.</p><h4><strong>A lifelong connection to Indian culture</strong></h4><p>Al Kaabi revealed that her connection with Indian culture runs deep. “I grew up watching Bollywood movies,” she said. “It’s easy for me to repeat the words and pronounce them. I’ve grown up listening to Indian songs, eating Indian food, and being surrounded by such a rich community.”</p><p>She added modestly, “I think it’s a shame that I don’t speak Hindi fluently.” Yet, her brief but heartfelt Hindi greeting proved more powerful than fluency — it embodied understanding, inclusivity, and friendship.</p><h4><strong>Celebrating an enduring bond</strong></h4><p>The minister used her platform to highlight the <strong>longstanding relationship</strong> between the <strong>UAE and India</strong>, one built on “trust, respect, and shared aspirations.”<br>“It is a special and historic relationship,” she said in her speech. “We come together to celebrate a friendship that has stood strong for centuries — a relationship built on trust, respect, and shared aspirations. Tonight, we celebrate one of the world’s most enduring friendships.”</p><p>She reflected on centuries of <strong>trade, migration, and cultural exchange</strong> that have shaped both nations. “For generations, traders, craftsmen, and dreamers crossed the waters between the Gulf and the Indian subcontinent,” she said. “They carried with them not just goods, but ideas, traditions, and hopes. Those exchanges created a shared cultural rhythm that still resonates across our society today.”</p><h4><strong>Tribute to Indian expatriates</strong></h4><p>Al Kaabi also acknowledged the vital role of Indian expatriates in the UAE’s growth story.<br>“In every field — from education to healthcare, from technology to the arts — Indian professionals and families contribute with dedication and excellence,” she said. “They have built lives, raised generations, and helped shape the UAE’s success story.”</p><p>She emphasized that the Indian community is not just part of the UAE’s narrative — “they have helped write some of the most inspiring chapters in the history of our country.”</p><p>Her words struck a chord with the crowd, many of whom see the UAE as their second home. With over <strong>4.3 million Indians living in the UAE</strong>, the event served as a powerful reminder of shared values and interwoven histories.</p><h4><strong>A friendship for the future</strong></h4><p>Concluding her address, Al Kaabi reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to strengthening bilateral and cultural ties.<br>“Together, we will continue to build bridges,” she said. “May this friendship between our people continue to illuminate the future.”</p><p>She ended her speech with a heartfelt <strong>“Happy Diwali!”</strong>, leaving the audience cheering, clapping, and waving Indian flags — a fitting finale to a night that celebrated harmony, heritage, and humanity.</p>