When Modi rocked Dubai

On Monday all roads led to the Dubai Cricket Stadium. It was the venue for India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi's much anticipated speech to the Indian diaspora. As one of the largest expat communities in the UAE, constituting almost 30 per cent of the total population, non-resident Indians (NRIs) kept a very close track of their Prime Minister's maiden visit to Dubai.
An estimated 40,000 Indians made their way to the Dubai Cricket Stadium despite the summer heat. The excitement was evident with Modi being the first Indian prime minister to visit the UAE in 34 years - something that a majority of the Indian diaspora looked forward to. In the run-up to his visit, the buzz was quite palpable on social media and FM radio.
At the Dubai Cricket Stadium the exuberance of the world's largest democracy was blended with the splendour of an Emirati carnival - usually on display during special occasions like the National Day. From a confluence of red, white and blue colours to hi-tech screens for those who couldn't make it inside the stadium, everything was minutely choreographed.
Crowds started trickling in nearly three to four hours before Modi's highly anticipated speech. Music troupes kept the audiences regaled. People were on their feet, clapping, hollering, waving miniature flags, soaking in the warm-up acts. A certain camaraderie was palpable in the atmosphere with chants of Modi, Modi occasionally renting the air. A huge spill-over crowd watched the proceedings outside the stadium on giant screens.
The incredible scenes and massive reception in Dubai was reminiscent of the prime minister's hugely successful public speeches in New York and Sydney. Although it was muggy and a working day for many, no one seemed to bother. The edginess and eagerness with which members of the community awaited their leader is usually reserved for rock stars.
Notably Modi is the first Indian prime minister to visit the UAE in decades. Among other things it was for this reason also that his speech was waited with such expectation. There was symbolism attached to it, too. Apart from the summitry, at the public level Modi's visit set in motion an extravaganza celebrating all things Indian - where moments such are these are often loud and colourful with elements of pageantry. At the Dubai Cricket Stadium it was the best of India in one place. The great Indian diaspora - big businesses, financial professionals, tech wizards, doctors, engineers, students and those doing blue collar jobs seemed to get on well to cheer on their prime minister - a man tasked with leading India in the new era and ensure a strategic balance beyond its borders.
To chants of "Modi, Modi" the Indian prime minister made his way to the stage with his hands clasped together in the traditional Indian greeting. The ovation became deafening as a phalanx of security guards led him to the rostrum. Soon hundreds of thousands of smartphones were aloft, capturing the moment for posterity. Supportive yells continued even as Modi gingerly tapped the microphone.
Wild applause and cheering from a 40,000-strong crowd lent it the feel of a mega sporting event. Shortly Modi strode on to the lectern, starting off with a certain confidence and candour that has become his trademark. He is totally cut-out for this. Heartfelt and theatrical at the same time, the prime minister is a complete natural. Soon a delightful hush fell on the crowd. Talk of being hooked wholesale. Their protagonist was performing.
sadiq@khaleejtimes.com

It was a sea of people at the Dubai Cricket Stadium on Monday waiting to weicome Indian prime minister Narendra Modi.