Abu Dhabi: The Indiaspora Forum for Good 2025, which brought together prominent global leaders of Indian origin from over 30 countries to discuss international cooperation and development, concluded in Dubai on February 26. The event highlighted the growing influence of the Indian diaspora in shaping global policy and business.
Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance, emphasized the “eternal friendship and special relationship” between the UAE and India in his opening address. “This summit is an important platform for generating ideas and exchanging knowledge on major global challenges. Your participation reflects a strong conviction that our shared values and ideas can bind us together and help us address these challenges effectively,” he said.
Acknowledging the Indian diaspora’s contributions, the minister also spoke about the BAPS Hindu temple, the largest Hindu temple ever built in Abu Dhabi. The temple was consecrated in February 2024, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit in 2018, during which both governments signed a memorandum of understanding for its construction.
A key highlight of the forum was the release of a comprehensive impact report showcasing the extraordinary growth and influence of the Indian diaspora in the UAE. The report traced the community’s rise from a modest 5,000 people in 1975 to 3.9 million today, underscoring its pivotal role in shaping the UAE’s economic and social landscape.
The event featured an impressive lineup of speakers, including FedEx CEO Raj Subramaniam, former tennis star Vijay Amritraj, UK House of Lords member Karan Bilimoria, and Bollywood actor-philanthropist Vivek Oberoi. (DD News inputs)
