Burj Khalifa Lights Up With PM Modi’s Portraits on His 75th Birthday — A Grand Gesture Strengthening India–UAE Friendship

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Himanshu
in

On the evening of 17 September 2025, Dubai’s world-famous Burj Khalifa became the centre of global attention when it illuminated with the portraits of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to mark his 75th birthday. The dazzling tribute, beamed in India’s tricolour hues, is being hailed as a new milestone in India–UAE friendship and as a reflection of Prime Minister Modi’s rising global profile.

A Spectacle of Light and Colour

The Burj Khalifa stood out on Dubai’s skyline, glowing in saffron, white and green, the colours of the Indian national flag. Giant LED screens displayed multiple images of PM Modi, birthday messages such as “Happy 75th Birthday” and inspirational slogans like “India First, the Inspiration” and “Service is the Resolve.”
Thousands of onlookers, including Dubai residents, Indian expatriates and tourists, captured the moment on their phones as the tallest building in the world turned into a living canvas celebrating India.

Table: Key Highlights of the Burj Khalifa Tribute

AspectDetails
Occasion75th Birthday of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Date & TimeEvening of 17 September 2025
VenueBurj Khalifa, Dubai
Display ElementsPM Modi’s portraits, birthday greetings, inspirational slogans
ColoursIndian tricolour – saffron, white, green
Public ReactionApplause, social media posts, videos going viral

Message From the UAE Leadership

The tribute was also amplified by warm wishes from the UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who congratulated PM Modi and highlighted the enduring bonds between the two nations.

Symbolism of the Gesture

Such a spectacular public display is more than a birthday greeting. It is a symbol of deepening India–UAE relations, showcasing cultural respect, mutual recognition and soft power. India is home to one of the largest expatriate populations in the UAE, and gestures like these resonate deeply with millions of Indians working and living in the Gulf.

The lighting of the Burj Khalifa also reflects the UAE’s growing role as a hub for international diplomacy and cultural exchange. By celebrating an Indian leader so prominently, Dubai positions itself as an open city embracing diverse communities and global partnerships.

Social Media Frenzy

Within minutes, videos of the Burj Khalifa display began trending across multiple platforms. Indians in Dubai shared live footage, and Indian news channels aired clips of the tribute as a mark of pride for the country’s growing influence abroad.

Why This Matters for India–UAE Relations

Over the past decade, India and the UAE have strengthened their cooperation across trade, infrastructure, renewable energy, technology and security. Both nations signed comprehensive agreements on economic partnership and continue to collaborate on strategic projects.

The public celebration of PM Modi’s birthday acts as a visible reinforcement of these ties. It signals trust, goodwill and a willingness to celebrate each other’s milestones. For the Indian diaspora, it creates a sense of belonging and recognition. For the UAE, it underlines its image as a friend and partner to the world’s largest democracy.

Table: Growing India–UAE Cooperation

SectorRecent Trends
TradeUAE among India’s top trading partners; Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement signed
InvestmentUAE sovereign funds investing in Indian infrastructure and startups
EnergyCollaboration in renewable energy, green hydrogen and oil security
Culture & TourismIndian festivals celebrated in the UAE, Dubai–India tourism flows increasing
DiasporaOver 3 million Indians living and working in the UAE

Soft Power and Global Recognition

The Burj Khalifa display reinforces India’s rising soft power. It sends a clear message that Indian leadership is acknowledged not just through formal diplomacy but also through grand public gestures. Such events boost national pride and strengthen India’s global image as a country whose leaders are celebrated on the world stage.

Reactions From Citizens and Leaders

Many Indian citizens expressed pride and gratitude on social media, calling it “a historic moment” and “a birthday wish written in lights.” Political commentators noted that such a visible tribute in one of the most cosmopolitan cities of the world also underscores India’s increasing role as a global influencer.

For UAE citizens and residents, the display was another example of Dubai’s cosmopolitan spirit. It showcased how the city often becomes a bridge between nations by celebrating leaders from different cultures and countries.

Looking Ahead

Gestures like this open the door for more people-to-people connections, business opportunities and cultural collaborations. As India and the UAE continue to deepen ties, expect to see more such high-profile symbolic moments in the future, not only celebrating leaders but also achievements in technology, culture and shared humanitarian efforts.

Conclusion

The Burj Khalifa lighting up with PM Modi’s portraits on his 75th birthday is more than just a spectacular show of lights. It represents the strength of India–UAE friendship, the pride of the Indian diaspora and the growing recognition of India’s leadership on the global stage. By embedding the UAE President’s tweet and the video of the event, you can make this article even more vivid and engaging for your readers.