Dubai’s Burj Khalifa lit up with a towering portrait of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 17 September, marking his 75th birthday with a skyline salute that quickly went viral. The display blended Modi’s image with tricolour motifs, drawing cheers from crowds gathered around Downtown Dubai and a wave of clips on social media.
The tribute also highlighted the close India–UAE bond and the pride of the large Indian diaspora in the Gulf. The world’s tallest building has often served as a canvas for Indian celebrations, from Diwali light shows to tricolour illuminations for major milestones.
As greetings poured in from across the world, the Dubai projection stood out as a striking visual nod to India’s global footprint. Visitors described the moment as unforgettable, while expats called it a proud sight in the city they call home.
