Noura Al Kaabi’s ‘Namaste’ and heartfelt Hindi phrases earn cheers from Indian expats at Zabeel Park
UAE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Noura Al Kaabi, received thunderous applause and cheers after she began her address in Hindi at the ‘Emirates Loves India’ event held at Zabeel Park, Dubai, on Sunday, reported hindustantimes.com.
The minister’s warm Hindi greeting — “Namaste! Aaj aapke saath yahan hona mere liye bahut sammaan ki baat hai” — delighted tens of thousands of Indian expatriates attending the event.
Taking the stage before a massive crowd, Al Kaabi confidently greeted the audience in Hindi, saying, “It is an honour to be in front of you now.” Her gesture immediately drew loud cheers and emotional reactions from the crowd, reflecting the strong cultural connection between the UAE and India.
After her speech, Al Kaabi revealed the heartwarming story behind her Hindi phrases. “This happened thanks to repeating that beautiful sentence I had with colleagues on the phone,” she said. “My mother encouraged me to say more — she told me to say ‘Tum kaise ho? Hum tumse pyaar karte hain!’ which means ‘We love you.’”
She shared that her bond with Indian culture goes back to childhood. “I grew up watching Bollywood movies,” she said. “It’s easy for me to repeat the words and pronounce them because I’ve grown up listening to Indian songs, watching films, and enjoying Indian food. It’s a connection that feels natural.”
Al Kaabi also expressed a tinge of regret at not speaking Hindi fluently. “I think it’s a shame that I don’t speak it fluently,” she admitted.
During her address, Al Kaabi praised the enduring friendship between India and the UAE, calling it a relationship built on trust, respect, and shared aspirations.
She highlighted the Indian community’s contribution to the UAE’s progress, saying, “In every field — education, healthcare, technology, and the arts — Indian professionals and families contribute with dedication and excellence. The Indian community is not just part of our story; they have helped write some of the most inspiring chapters in the history of our country.”
Concluding her speech, Al Kaabi reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to strengthening this partnership: “Together we will continue to build bridges… May this friendship between our people continue to illuminate the future.”
