During his historic visit to India this week, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, presented priceless gifts to the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and two ministers.
Photos and videos released by the UAE and Indian authorities showed the gifts he presented to Modi and India’s External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during his first official visit to India.
Each of the gifts carries strong relevance to the shared history, diplomatic ties, and enduring stories between the UAE and India.
During their meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday last, the Crown Prince presented to the Indian Prime Minister a massive monument around which they both spent some time together as shown in a video released by the Indian government.
The Government of Dubai Media Office, which also published photos of the leaders with the monument presented in a large glass case, confirmed to Gulf News that it is a memorabilia from the India visit of Sheikh Hamdan’s grandfather the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the then Ruler of Dubai and Vice-President of the UAE. It is a black-coloured “bisht” worn by Sheikh Rashid, symbolising the historic and generational political friendship between the two countries.
Precious gift
The video shows that the glass case also carries a black and white photo in which Sheikh Rashid can be seen wearing the black bisht during the 1974 visit.
In the video, Modi is seen appreciating the heartwarming gesture and saying in Hindi: “It is a very precious gift for me.”
To this, a smiling Sheikh Hamdan, holding Modi’s hand, replied in Arabic: “This is small compared to your stature.”
What is a bisht?
A bisht is an outer robe for men in the countries of the Arabian Gulf. Traditionally made of wool with embroidered edges, it is worn over clothes and extends to the feet, open at the front with two openings for the arms.
Historically, the bisht held a significant place in a man's attire, bestowing dignity and modesty. As society progressed, it became impractical for daily wear and is now reserved for formal occasions, holidays, and festive gatherings such as weddings.
UAE leaders are often seen wearing bishts at important events. Traditionally white, modern versions also come in dark brown, black, light grey, golden yellow, and khaki.
News about Sheikh Mohammed
When he met Dr Jaishankar at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi, Sheikh Hamdan presented another special gift to his host—the front page of an Arabic newspaper that carried an important report in the history of India-Dubai ties.
DMO confirmed to Gulf News that it is the original front page of the Arabic daily Al Ittihad which was published in 1984. The main story of the day was about the successful effort of Sheikh Hamdan’s father, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and the Ruler of Dubai, in saving passengers on board Indian Airlines Flight 421 in August 1984.
Sheikh Mohammed, then the UAE Defence Minister, led negotiations after the hijackers diverted the flight to Dubai International Airport. He personally intervened, offering the hijackers temporary asylum to secure the safe release of all 73 hostages. His decisive action ensured a peaceful resolution and highlighted his leadership in a high-stakes crisis.
The videos and photos released by the authorities showed Sheikh Hamdan and Dr Jaishankar taking a close look at the paper clip presented on a special stand and talking about the incident.
Sheikh Zayed’s dagger
Later, when he met Rajnath Sigh, Sheikh Hamdan presented yet another traditionally significant gift. According to the DMO, it is the ceremonial dagger of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founding Father of the UAE. A photo released by DMO showed the silver dagger presented in a traditional box, featuring an image of Sheikh Zayed and his fort.
The Arabian dagger is an integral part of Emirati tradition, famously worn by Sheikh Zayed and other prominent figures.
The coastal dagger of the present-day UAE, known as Saheli Khanjar, is made of silver and highly decorated.
According to previous reports in Gulf News, Sheikh Zayed used to wear a Saheli khanjar.
The Saheli, originating from Sharjah, is the iconic Emirati dagger design. It is smaller and more decorative than others. While once used as a weapon or for hunting, today it serves as a symbol of heritage and is reserved for ceremonial purposes.