Indians in the UAE on Tuesday celebrated Independence Day with Ambassador CM Bhandari unfurling the national tricolour in the capital, Abu Dhabi.
In Dubai, Consul General Yash Sinha raised the flag at the Indian High School premises where a large number of Indian expatriates turned up in the morning.
At Abu Dhabi the celebrations were marked with gaiety and enthusiasm.
All the major English-language dailies brought out special supplements that focused on the emergence of India as an economic giant and its contribution to good ties with the UAE.
The only difference in the celebrations compared to last year was witnessed in Dubai, where the event was held at the Indian High School to accommodate large number of people.
After unfurling the flag, children from local schools presented colourful cultural programmes.
Various Indian communities organised cultural pageants and members joined in singing patriotic songs.
Ambassador Bhandari said there has been a surge in people-to-people contacts between the two countries.
One remarkable evidence that he cited was the acceptance by UAE nationals of India's entertainment and film industry.
He said Bollywood and other Indian cinemas are engaged in the UAE in a big way, as was witnessed during the India International Film Academy festivities held in Dubai.
{{/usCountry}}He said Bollywood and other Indian cinemas are engaged in the UAE in a big way, as was witnessed during the India International Film Academy festivities held in Dubai.
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