The stage has been set, literally, as UAE readies for the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s public address at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Monday, amidst much fanfare and crowds that are expected to surpass 40,000 people.
As the final sound check is underway at the Dubai Sports City venue for the grand event, the organising committee of ‘NaMo In Dubai’ revealed final details of the plan that has been set in motion as the country rolls out the red carpet for an Indian Prime Minister after a gap of 34 years.
Addressing the media at the venue, Indian Consul General Anurag Bhushan called Modi’s visit a ‘momentous’ occasion, which the Indian community here has embraced with ‘fervor and enthusiasm’.
He continued: “On a relatively short notice, the Indian community has galvanised itself to do a fantastic job in organising such an important event.”
He further revealed nearly 1,000 volunteers will be operating in various venues across Dubai to ensure the planned public address goes off smoothly.
What to expect…
One of the chief organisers and member of the Indian Community Welfare Committee (ICWC), K Kumar, stated: “The event will open with a grand cultural show, with performers that have been practicing their song and dance acts around the clock.
“An additional 35 artistes have flown in from India that have specially choreographed the act for the night.”
The ‘cultural programme’ will commence at 6.30pm and will last until 7.45pm before the Indian Prime Minister takes to the dais at approximately 8pm.
According to the organisers, approximately 32,000 people will be accommodated inside the stadium, while another additional 15,000 people will hold position in two spillover areas outside the venue.
Five LCD screens will be set-up inside the stadium at various points of the stage, while two giant ‘video walls’ measuring 10 metres by five metres will be erected outside the stadium to allow those who were unable to enter the venue a chance to see the speech live.
Dr BR Shetty, head of the New Medical Centre Group and one of the chief organisers of Modi’s Dubai visit, further stated: “We have ensured those who are unable to enter the stadium are well taken care of.
“There will live be DJs performing outside, food stalls and ample things to do, including an augmented reality experience with Narendra Modi himself.”
Augmented reality, which is explained as a live direct or indirect view of a physical environment whose elements are created by computer-generated sensory inputs, will be one of the surprise elements at the event on the evening, stationed outside the stadium, Shetty added.
Further details on the experience were not revealed.
Meanwhile, organisers have also refuted claims that other public venues will broadcast the Indian PM’s speech live.
Those who are inside the stadium will have access to their own food stalls, with organisers confirming that they will also handout 250,000 water cups to ensure everyone remains dehydrated during the peak summer heat.
Those attending are being advise to carpool to the venue or use public transport that has been specially implemented for the event in conjunction with the Roads and Transport Authority of Dubai and Dubai Police.
The event is expected to conclude by 9pm.
Meanwhile, Indian community members are rallying around to ensure the Indian PM’s visit goes off without a hitch.
Kamal Vachani, Group Director, Al Maya Group and the President of the Dubai Chapter of the Middle East and Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO), stated: “We are indeed excited about the first visit of the Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India to visit UAE.
“The whole Indian community is looking forward to his visit. This visit will further boost the relations of Indo-UAE as India is the third largest trading partner with UAE. The trade between India and UAE has crossed $60 billion in 2014 and 2015.
“India Inc in Dubai and Indians in Dubai are anxiously looking forward to the great visit and I am personally looking forward to meet Modiji.”
Saniya Kriplani stated: “Welcome to Dubai, a nation where a vision of a single leader transformed millions of lives. We hope you can continue to foster seeds of mutually symbolic growth, not just for the affluent Indians, but also for those who remain invisible (our migrant workers).”
