PM Narendra Modi visits Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in UAE

ABU DHABI: With terror and investments high on his agenda for talks with the UAE leadership, PM Narendra Modi on Sunday began his two-day trip to this Gulf nation with a visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand mosque, the world’s third largest.

Within hours of his arrival in the UAE capital, the first by an Indian PM in 34 years, Modi went around the mosque’s 180,000 sqft 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.

The mosque is third largest in the world after the ones in Mecca and Madina in Saudi Arabia. The Prime Minister was earlier warmly 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.

Ahead of his talks with the Emirati leadership tomorrow, Modi said he wanted to see the UAE as India’s foremost partner in trade and in countering terrorism