Abudhabi:The 73rd Independence Day of India was celebrated on Thursday the 15th
August 2019 in Abu Dhabi with enthusiasm. Ambassador Navdeep Suri unfurled
the Indian Tricolor at the Embassy premises. The flag hoisting witnessed by
over 800 people including members of Indian community and friends of India.
Children dressed in traditional Indian attires reflecting the diversity of India sang
the National Anthem.

It was followed by Ambassador Suri reading out the Address to the Nation by
the Hon'ble President of India. Ambassador Suri thanked the UAE government
for their continued support and their good wishes on India’s Independence Day.
He sent out his wishes on ‘Rakshabandhan’ to everyone, and stressed upon
Mission’s unwavering efforts in ensuring the welfare of the Indian community in
the UAE. In this regard, he informed of the ‘Open House’ policy of the Mission in
which any Indian national can meet any official of the Embassy without
appointment between 09:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. every working day.

Ambassador also informed regarding the new biometric system for visa
applicants and the introduction of five years multiple entry Tourist and Business
visas for UAE citizens aimed at further strengthening trade & investment and
people to people links between the two countries. Ambassador thanked the
Community in Abu Dhabi for commemorating the 550 th Birth Anniversary of Guru
Nanak Dev in a befitting way by getting 550 blood donations in coordination
with Abu Dhabi Blood Bank. He also invited everyone to join the celebrations at
Indian Social Centre Abu Dhabi on 23 rd August.

Admbassador Navdeep Suri unveiled the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the
Embassy premises. The statue has been installed as India commemorates the
150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi in a befitting manner. The
celebration of Gandhian values also highlights India’s strong commitment to

peace, tolerance and nonviolence. The unveiling of the statue was followed by a
cultural programme at the Embassy Three leading English language newspapers with the largest circulation Gulf News, Khaleej Times and The Gulf Today brought out voluminous special supplements on the occasion of India’s 73rd Independence Day.