Modi later tweeted appreciating the rare, personal and warm gesture shown to him. The Crown Prince was accompanied by his five brothers to receive Modi - a rare gesture reflecting the importance they attached to the PM's visit, said an Indian spokesman. The Prime Minister also said he was very optimistic about the visit and expressed confidence that the visit would boost India-UAE ties.

Top on his changed itinerary was a visit to the magnificent Shaikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the third largest in the world after those in Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia, immediately after arrival. (ABOUT: Shaikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi) The UAE Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Sheikh Nahyan al Mubarak, and the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr Anwar Gargash, accompanied Modi. He spent about 40 minutes in the mosque.

"I am delighted to visit this magnificent place of worship. It brings together requisite skills and creation from around the world and serves as a fine example of human achievement and unity. I am confident that it will be a symbol of peace, piety, harmony and inclusiveness that are inherent to the faith of Islam," PM Modi wrote on the visitor's book.

"It will also serve to remind generations about the extraordinary vision of the late president of UAE his highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan," he wrote.

A large number of Indian expatriates had gathered in front of the Grand Mosque in anticipation.

Later, Modi visited ICAD (Industrial City of Abu Dhabi) Residential City, a labour camp housing nearly a lakh of workers from India and other countries where several workers are crammed into each room.

Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, MD of Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, hosted dinner for Modi.

The major areas of discussion with the UAE leaders will be trade, investment, terrorism, maritime security and the problems of the huge number of Indian workers in the UAE. The talks with the Crown Prince as also the Dubai ruler and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, will be held on Monday.

The indian community is organising a grand, rockstar reception on Monday evening at the Dubai Sports Stadium. Over 50,000 people have registered for the event and the registration has been stopped as the stadium has a capacity to accommodate around 3,000 people only.

Modi meets Indian workers at ICAD camp in Abu Dhabi

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About United Arab Emirates

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi

Modi to visit Abu Dhabi, Dubai