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'House of India' in UAE: 10 questions on new cultural hub in Abu Dhabi answered
India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri described the move as “very important” during a press briefing organised by the Ministry of External Affairs
- PUBLISHED: Tue 20 Jan 2026, 7:10 PM
- By:
- Nandini Sircar
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Abu Dhabi is set to become home to "the House of India", a landmark cultural centre celebrating India’s rich heritage, following a historic decision by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the President’s working visit to India.
Welcomed at the Palam Air Base in New Delhi, Sheikh Mohamed started his visit to India on January 19. The visit marks a new chapter in the deepening cultural and diplomatic ties between the two nations.
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The centre, envisioned as a vibrant hub for art, culture, and shared heritage, will give people in the UAE a unique opportunity to experience India’s rich traditions and history.
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Here’s a closer look at what the House of India will be like and why it is significant:
1. What major cultural initiative has been announced between India and the UAE?
Abu Dhabi will host a new cultural institution dedicated to showcasing India’s heritage, following a decision by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the President’s visit to India.
2. What will this new centre be called?
According to the joint statement issued after the visit, the two leaders agreed to establish a ‘House of India’ in Abu Dhabi.
3. Why is this project considered significant?
The joint statement described it as a “lasting symbol of the India-UAE friendship,” marking another milestone in the deepening relationship between the two nations.
4. How did Indian officials respond to the announcement?
India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri described the move as “very important” during a press briefing organised by the Ministry of External Affairs.
5. What will the House of India include?
Misri said, “This will be a unique cultural space that will include a state-of-the-art museum that will reflect India's ancient cultural heritage, and a lasting symbol of the India-UAE partnership.”
The centre will apparently feature multiple components, including an art museum.
6: Is this a new idea or an evolution of earlier plans?
As reported by Khaleej Times earlier, the UAE’s Minister of State Noura Al Kaabi had said the concept has been under discussion for some time.
Envisioned as a cultural hub, and initially referred to as ‘India House’, this venue aims to showcase India’s rich artistic and cultural heritage on a global stage.
7. What groundwork has already been laid for the project?
In March 2025, a high-level delegation meeting co-chaired by Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, UAE Minister of State, and K Nandini Singla, Director General of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, focused on activating the India-UAE Cultural Council and advancing plans for the cultural centre.
8. What areas of cooperation were discussed during those meetings?
Beyond exhibitions and performances, it will explore ways to support creative start-ups, foster business-to-business collaborations, and create thematic sub-committees to oversee cooperation across priority areas.
9. Why does this initiative resonate strongly in the UAE?
The announcement comes as the UAE hosts one of the world’s largest Indian communities, with more than 4.3 million Indian expatriates living in the country, reinforcing strong people-to-people ties.
10. Meanwhile what is the UAE providing for the National Maritime Heritage Complex in Gujarat?
Recognising the shared cultural and historical heritage between the two countries, Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the UAE’s decision to provide artefacts for the National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal, Gujarat (India).
