India-UAE Cultural Relations

India-UAE Cultural Relations 

India and the UAE share historical ties and have maintained regular cultural exchanges both at official and people-to-people levels. The two nations signed a Cultural Agreement in 1975 which aims to strengthen bilateral cultural activities. India and the UAE enjoy strong traditional ties which have grown stronger over the years. Resilient Indian diaspora of more than 4 million is an integral part of the growth and development of the UAE’s economy and society. Essence of spices that marks the Indian cuisine, can be found in many common foods of the UAE. The UAE is one of the biggest overseas markets for Bollywood and its appeal extends to television. Today there are several channels in the UAE that show Bollywood and Indian content in Arabic. Local radio stations and television channels play songs and dances from different regions of the India. 

Emiratis are familiar and receptive to Indian culture. Recognition of Indian culture by Emiratis was visible when India was declared as the ‘Guest of Honour Country’ for the prestigious 2018 edition of Abu Dhabi Festival (ADF). Selection of India as the Country of Honour in alignment with the official theme of the festival called “The Year of Zayed”, highlighted the cultural bond between the two countries. Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF) of 2019 was yet another vibrant cultural event where India was chosen as Guest of Honour. ADIBF 2019 cultural programme concluded with spotlight on Indian literature and culture. 

On 24 August 2019 Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, released Postal Stamps on Mahatma Gandhi to commemorate his 150th birth anniversary. These postal stamps from Emirates Post of the UAE were issued at the Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi to honour the life and philosophy of the great leader. 

The Zayed-Gandhi Digital Museum in Abu Dhabi had a soft launch on 04 December 2019 by Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the UAE and Smt Sushma Swaraj, Minister of External Affairs of India. The museum houses rare photos, videos and objects representing the life, works and philosophies of both renowned leaders. The launch aligned with 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and 100th birth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed. 

On 26 August 2021 a historic Agreement was signed between the New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) New Delhi to establish a Visiting Professorship in Social Science at New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD). The agreement aims to promote broader engagement in academics between the two countries. 

The MoU was signed between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the UAE and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a Joint Vision Statement in February 2022 which, inter-alia, provided a roadmap to explore and promote cross-cultural exchanges, exhibitions and dialogues. The two leaders also released a Joint Commemorative Stamp on the occasion of 75th anniversary of India’s independence and the 50th year of the UAE’s foundation. On 01 September 2022 during the 14th India-UAE Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) both sides signed a

Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the Cultural Council to promote cultural co operation between the two countries. 

In February 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to the UAE, inaugurated the first traditional Hindu temple, BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi whose foundation stone was laid on 20 April 2019. Dubbed as a spiritual oasis for global harmony, temple stands as a symbol of peace and tolerance. During the visit, an MoU between Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways of India and Ministry of Culture of the UAE for Cooperation regarding National Maritime Heritage Complex (NHMC), Lothal at Gujarat was also signed.  

In April 2025, Minister of Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhavat visited UAE and participated in the Culture Summit Abu Dhabi. 

In association with the local Indian Community, Embassy has been organizing and supporting numerous cultural events including celebration of State Days, Hindi Divas, Ayurveda Day among others. Embassy, in association with Abu Dhabi Sports Council and Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum has been organizing International Day of Yoga celebrations in Abu Dhabi since 2022. The IDY events attract Indian community members, Emiratis and expatriates in huge numbers. 

Last updated in June 2025