WATCH: Indian diaspora welcomes PM Modi in Dubai for COP28, says 'the world needs leader like him'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm welcome at the Dubai airport as soon as he landed there to attend the 28th Conference of Parties (COP28) Summit.

The Prime Minister will be participating in the World Climate Action Summit of COP28 which is scheduled on 1 December.

PM Modi was received by UAE’s Interior Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahayan at the airport.

PM Modi gets rousing welcome in Dubai

The Indian diaspora, waiting outside a hotel in Dubai, were all excited upon PM Modi’s arrival in UAE. They sang ‘Saare Jahan Se Achha’ and chanted slogans of ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’, ‘Vande Mataram’, ‘Modi, Modi’, ‘Ab Ki Baar Modi Sarkar’.

#WATCH | Members of the Indian Diaspora raise ‘Modi, Modi’ and ‘Abki Baar Modi Sarkar’ slogans as Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Dubai pic.twitter.com/LY2SsyqvBS

— ANI (@ANI) November 30, 2023

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, PM Modi said, "Deeply moved by the warm welcome from the Indian community in Dubai. Their support and enthusiasm is a testament to our vibrant culture and strong bonds."

Deeply moved by the warm welcome from the Indian community in Dubai. Their support and enthusiasm is a testament to our vibrant culture and strong bonds. pic.twitter.com/xQC64gcvDJ

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 30, 2023

'World needs a leader like PM Modi'

The members of the Indian diaspora in Dubai were elated at the opportunity to meet PM Modi and they highlighted his global leadership qualities.

"I have been living in UAE for 20 years but today it felt as if one of my own has come to this country," said a member of the Indian diaspora after meeting PM Modi in Dubai.

#WATCH | UAE: "...I have been living in UAE for 20 years but today it felt as if one of my own has come to this country...," says a member of the Indian Diaspora after meeting PM Modi in Dubai. pic.twitter.com/t8tOvWpP6j

— ANI (@ANI) November 30, 2023

After meeting PM Modi, a student said, "It was a very inspiring and motivating moment. We felt good after seeing him."

"The amount of time PM Modi gave us and the events that happened here we are very happy to witness it," said another student after meeting the Indian Prime Minister.

#WATCH | UAE: "...It was a very inspiring & motivating moment. We felt good after seeing him...," says a student after meeting PM Modi in Dubai.

"The amount of time PM Modi gave us & the events that happened here we are very happy to witness it...," says another student after… pic.twitter.com/8YkYtBPz41

— ANI (@ANI) November 30, 2023

"We are so happy to see PM Modi here. We will never forget this day in our lives. The world needs a leader like PM Modi," said another member of the diaspora after meeting PM Modi.

#WATCH | "We are so happy to see PM Modi here. We will never forget this day in our lives. The world needs a leader like PM Modi...," says a member of the Indian Diaspora after meeting PM Modi in Dubai. pic.twitter.com/4iHTCJiPSu

— ANI (@ANI) November 30, 2023

"We felt good that PM Modi has come here. He shook hands with us. He is a global leader," said another member of the Indian diaspora.

#WATCH | UAE: "...We felt good that PM Modi has come here. He shook hands with us. He is a global leader...," says a member of the Indian Diaspora after meeting PM Modi in Dubai. pic.twitter.com/H720Q6iBmM

— ANI (@ANI) November 30, 2023

"We have no words to say. We are very happy that PM Modi shook hands with us and he recognised us because of our 'pagdi'," said another member of the diaspora.

#WATCH | "We have no words to say. We are very happy that PM Modi shook hands with us & he recognised us because of our 'pagdi'...," says a member of the Indian Diaspora after meeting PM Modi in Dubai. pic.twitter.com/XTzwzAR7CI

— ANI (@ANI) November 30, 2023

"I am big fan of PM Modi. He is favourite leader. I told him about the lotus saree that I am wearing," said a woman of Indian origin after meeting PM Modi in Dubai.

VIDEO | "I am big fan of PM Modi. He is favourite leader. I told him about the lotus saree that I am wearing," says an Indian woman after meeting PM Modi in Dubai. pic.twitter.com/XFWPtbzkfm

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 30, 2023

Prime Minister Modi also witnessed cultural performance by members of Indian diaspora upon his arrival at hotel in Dubai.

#WATCH | UAE: Cultural performance by members of Indian Diaspora as PM Modi arrived at hotel in Dubai pic.twitter.com/lBwLtBtcnA

— ANI (@ANI) November 30, 2023

PM Modi is on a one-day visit to the UAE and has a packed schedule on Friday (1 December, 2023).

The Prime Minister will arrive at the Leadership Pavilion of the COP28 venue at Expo City around 10:30 am (local time). The leaders will then have a welcome photograph with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

There will be the traditional family photograph of all the attending delegates (heads of state/heads of government) around 11:30 am (local time).

As PM @narendramodi sets foot in Dubai, here is an overview of his action-packed programme tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/SkML9HZYvV

— Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) November 30, 2023

PM Modi will speak at five events as part of the COP28 summit. These are the opening session of the World Climate Action Summit, ceremonial opening of high-level segment for heads of state/government, presidency's session on transforming climate finance, high-level event on green credits programme, and leadership group for industry transition.

With inputs from agencies