Move over movie premieres – this week’s biggest red carpet moment belonged to royalty. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, touched down in New Delhi on April 8. It was his first official visit to India, and was nothing short of cinematic. From a grand cultural welcome and ceremonial bell rings to back-to-back high-level meetings, the two-day trip is more than just a diplomatic gesture. It’s a bold celebration of a growing bond between two powerhouses.
Here are six moments from Fazza’s India trip that had us all double-tapping and cheering. And maybe even texting the fam back home:
1. A Grand Desi Welcome For The Prince Himself
Touching down in New Delhi on April 8, Sheikh Hamdan received a traditional welcome that was straight out of a Bollywood scene. Yup, red carpet, musical tribute, and warm greetings by India’s Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Tourism, Suresh Gopi. With the musical tribute playing and culture on full display, the message was clear: this was more than a visit; it was a celebration of the growing UAE-India bond.
Fazza got straight to business. He met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who hosted a working lunch and later tweeted, “Dubai has played a key role in advancing the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This special visit reaffirms our deep-rooted friendship and paves the way for even stronger ties.”
2. Delhi Darshan With A Touch Of Legacy
Before jetting to Mumbai, Fazza squeezed in a visit to Humayun’s Tomb. He captured a moment that blended history and heritage. And in a full-circle gesture, he paid tribute to Sheikh Zayed’s legacy by visiting the tree the UAE founder had planted. Talk about roots that go beyond borders! The Crown Prince also had back-to-back meetings with External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Security, trade, and supercharging strategic collaboration were all on the agenda – because when Dubai and Delhi talk business, the region listens.
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3. A Royal Ring At The Bombay Stock Exchange
April 9 saw the Crown Prince hit the ground running in Mumbai, and his day began with a bang. Literally – with the ringing of the opening bell at the iconic Bombay Stock Exchange. Standing tall on Dalal Street, Fazza was welcomed by BSE CEO Sundararaman Ramamurthy, and the ceremonial bell ring sent a clear message: UAE and India’s economic bond is only getting stronger (and louder).
The BSE team gave him the royal rundown on how the exchange became one of the world’s biggest – with over 5,600 listed companies – and how it’s levelling up its services and infrastructure. It wasn’t just a visit, it was a power play.
4. Big Biz Energy At The Dubai-India Forum
Later that day, Sheikh Hamdan headlined the Dubai-India Business Forum, where the vibe was all about collaboration and next-level partnerships. Union Minister Piyush Goyal welcomed him with a line that said it all: “Someone we have been waiting for, for a long time.”
With over 200 heavyweights from both nations’ business scenes in the room, the forum wasn’t just another event- it was a high-powered meet that’s likely to spark game-changing deals between the UAE and India.
5. A Taste Of Old-World Mumbai, Royal Edition
Sheikh Hamdan served up a quiet Insta flex from Pali Bhavan, a Bandra gem known for its vintage aesthetic and rich flavors. With dishes like Laal Murg Tikka and Kadhai Aloo on the table, Fazza gave us a delicious glimpse into Mumbai’s culinary soul. The interiors oozed old-world glamour, and the ambiance? Totally Instagram-worthy.
Also read: 7 Wackiest Pizzas in the UAE – Would You Dare to Try These?
6. A Cricket Collab For The Books
Indian cricket fans had their moment when Fazza met Team India and ICC boss Jay Shah. But the real MVP move? Rohit Sharma gifting him a “Dubai 11” jersey, followed by a group pic and a Hindi caption that won the internet: “Team India Ke Saath Ek Yaadgaar Mulakath.” That’s right, Fazza went full desi, and the expat squad couldn’t be prouder.
For Indian expats living in the UAE, this visit was more than just headlines – it was a proud reminder of the cultural, economic, and personal bridges being built every day between the two nations. With style, strategy, and a whole lot of soul, Sheikh Hamdan’s India visit has set the tone for a new chapter in UAE-India relations.
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