Dubai’s Crown Prince, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, will embark on his first official visit to India tomorrow, April 8, 2025, following an official invitation from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This two-day visit marks a significant milestone in the relationship between the UAE and India, aiming to enhance cooperation across strategic sectors, including trade, defense, technology, and cultural exchanges.
The Crown Prince’s visit will begin with a series of high-level meetings with senior Indian officials. On April 8, Prime Minister Modi will host a working lunch in honor of Sheikh Hamdan. The discussions will center on expanding the existing bilateral relations between the two nations and exploring new avenues for collaboration. Sheikh Hamdan is also scheduled to meet with India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to discuss key topics of mutual interest.
One of the highlights of the visit will be Sheikh Hamdan’s trip to Mumbai on April 9. He will participate in a business roundtable with prominent business leaders from both India and the UAE, focusing on strengthening economic ties and exploring potential partnerships across various industries. This gathering is expected to foster stronger economic collaboration, especially in sectors such as energy, trade, and innovation. 
Dubai has long been a vital hub for India-UAE relations, and the visit underscores the growing significance of the two nations’ ties. In 2024, the Indian population in the UAE reached nearly 4 million, reflecting the strong people-to-people connections between the two countries. Dubai’s role as a commercial, cultural, and financial gateway for Indians has been pivotal in fostering strong bilateral relations.
This visit also comes after the successful trip of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to India in September 2024. During his visit, Sheikh Khaled met with Prime Minister Modi and participated in a business forum in Mumbai, further solidifying the UAE’s presence and influence in India.
Sheikh Hamdan’s visit is expected to lay the groundwork for future collaborations and deepen the UAE-India relationship, promoting mutual prosperity and strengthening the shared vision for economic growth and development.
