From Priyanka Tikoo
Abu Dhabi

The UAE today decided to allot land for building a temple here, the first in the Emirati capital as Prime Minister Narendra Modi today began his two-day visit to the strategic Gulf nation.

Modi thanked the UAE leadership for this “landmark” decision.

While there are two temples in Dubai, one of Lord Shiva and another of Krishna, there is none in Abu Dhabi.

“A long wait for the Indian community ends. On the occasion of PM’s visit, UAE Govt decides to allot land for building a temple in Abu Dhabi,” tweeted external affairs ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup.

“PM @narendramodi thanks UAE leadership for this landmark decision,” he said.

There are nearly 2.6 million Indians in UAE which constitutes 30 per cent of the total population.

PTI