New Delhi: A hundred years ago, Indian merchants came to Gulf coastal cities, especially Dubai, to work and forge their businesses. They took Dubai as a starting point to all Gulf States and North Africa. At that time, oil had not been discovered, and the region not developed as it is today.
The shops set up by those traders in Deira and Bur Dubai and their Albanian market are still to be remembered, as are the traders. They have become not only a part of our economy but also of our memories. Later, the merchants were followed by a great many doctors, engineers, builders and accountants as well as other educated people who helped stimulate business and social activities in the UAE.
Today when I meet an Indian anywhere, I do not feel as if I am meeting a stranger; instead, he greets me and we start a normal conversation as if we have known each other before.
Consequently, setting up investment in economic or energy sectors or signing other agreements with India would be most welcomed as it is based on solid foundations in light of the historical bilateral relations between UAE and India.
If you asked any old Emirati trader about his relations with Indian traders, he would say that they conducted transactions without the need for papers or contracts — they simply trusted each other.
However, we were surprised to be asked questions by a number of students at New Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru University about the status of women, tolerance and democracy [in the UAE].
This reflects that they are not aware enough about the UAE-India relations.
As a result, besides formulating agreements with India, we have to build on the historical bilateral relationship, and develop and promote them to raise mutual understanding and confidence through educational, civil and social institutions.
