Modi visits mosque in UAE; to discuss terrorism, trade

With terror and investments high on his agenda for talks with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) leadership, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday began his two-day trip to this strategic Gulf nation with a visit to the historic Sheikh Zayed Grand mosque, the world's third largest.

Within hours of his arrival in the UAE capital for the visit, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 34 years, Modi went around the mosque's 180,000 sq ft courtyard which has an exquisite floral design. It is considered to be the largest example of marble mosaic in the world.

UAE culture minister Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan and minister of state for foreign affairs Dr Anwar Gargash were present at the mosque and Modi took a selfie with them.

The Prime Minister, wearing a kurta with a cream and red stole, spent about 40 minutes at the mosque, built at an estimated cost of $545 million, evincing interest at the imposing 82 domes in seven sizes located inside the worshipping place.

"I am delighted to visit this magnificent place of worship, strikes with its size and beauty. It brings together requisite skills and creation from around the world and serves as a fine example of human achievement and unity. I am confident that it will be a symbol of peace, piety, harmony and inclusiveness that are inherent to the faith of Islam," Modi wrote on the visitor's book.

"It will also serve to remind generations about the extraordinary vision of the late president of UAE his highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan," he wrote. Many Indians had come to see Modi at the mosque.

The Sheikh Zayed Grand mosque, a key place of worship in the UAE, is known as a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. The mosque is third largest in the world after the ones in Mecca and Madina in Saudi Arabia. It is named after the founder and first President of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

The mosque, constructed from 1996 to 2007, can accommodate around 40,000 people.

Modi also visited the tomb of Shaikh Zayed.

The UAE decided to allot land for building a temple here, the first in the Emirati capital as Modi began his visit. Modi thanked the UAE leadership for this "landmark" decision.

The Prime Minister was earlier received by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, crown prince of Abu Dhabi along with his five brothers at the airport, in a departure from protocol. The last dignitary to be received by him was the King of Morocco in May this year.

Soon after his arrival, Modi tweeted, "Hello UAE. I am very optimistic about this visit. I am confident the outcomes of the visit will boost India-UAE ties." He also tweeted the message in Arabic.

Modi said, "I deeply appreciate kind gesture of his Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who received me at the airport." The Prime Minister was also accorded a ceremonial reception at the airport.