Noura Al Kaabi, the UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, captivated a massive crowd at Zabeel Park in Dubai by beginning her address in Hindi. Her warm greeting, “Namaste!”, was met with enthusiastic applause and cheers from the thousands of Indian expatriates present.
Al Kaabi continued her speech in Hindi, saying, “Aaj aapke saath yahan hona mere liye bahut sammaan ki baat hai,” which translates to “It is an honour to be in front of you now.” This unexpected and heartfelt gesture resonated deeply with the audience, creating a moment of shared joy.
The minister later shared that her connection to Hindi and Indian culture stems from her childhood, having grown up watching Bollywood movies. She expressed a desire to speak the language more fluently, regretting her current limitations.
Al Kaabi also took the opportunity to emphasize the strong and historic India-UAE friendship, describing it as a bond built on trust, respect, and shared aspirations. She commended the significant contributions of Indian professionals and families to the UAE’s development, stating that they have been instrumental in writing many of the country’s most inspiring chapters. The minister concluded by reaffirming the commitment to continued collaboration and a brighter future for the relationship between the two nations.