Highlights:
Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's brief farewell at a New Delhi airport has attracted widespread attention after a video showed him turning back to greet the driver who had accompanied him during his visit.
The Crown Prince appeared to be making his way toward his aircraft after greeting dignitaries and preparing to leave the capital. Then, just before boarding, he turned around and walked back toward the vehicle.
He approached the driver, shook his hand and spoke with him briefly. He was also seen giving the driver a gentle pat on the arm before finally heading toward his aircraft.
The seemingly spontaneous gesture has resonated with social media users, many of whom praised Sheikh Khaled for taking a moment to personally acknowledge the person who had driven him during his stay in New Delhi.
Indian news agency ANI identified the chauffeur as Indian.
Why the gesture stood out
The interaction lasted only a few moments, but its simplicity made it stand out amid the formal ceremonies and high-level diplomatic engagements surrounding the Crown Prince's visit.
Sheikh Khaled had traveled to New Delhi to represent UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the 18th BRICS Summit, hosted by India at Bharat Mandapam on September 12 and 13.
As he prepared to depart, the Crown Prince's decision to turn back and personally greet his driver offered a more informal moment against the backdrop of an otherwise high-profile diplomatic visit.
The video has since circulated widely online, with users calling the gesture respectful, gracious and thoughtful.
India-UAE ties also in focus
During his time in New Delhi, Sheikh Khaled held bilateral discussions with Indian prime minister Narendra Modi, with both sides discussing ways to deepen the strategic partnership between India and the United Arab Emirates.
Their talks covered a broad range of areas, including defense, artificial intelligence, space, critical minerals, energy, food security and connectivity. Discussions also touched on investment, strategic energy infrastructure and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.
Regional security was another important part of the diplomatic discussions, particularly amid the continuing crisis in West Asia. The leaders also discussed the safety of Indian seafarers and the UAE's role within the BRICS framework.
Indian prime minister Modi later described India-UAE ties as having undergone a significant transformation in recent years, while emphasizing the potential for even greater cooperation.
Against that backdrop, it was not the diplomatic statements or formal meetings that captured much of the online attention—but a few seconds before departure, when Sheikh Khaled turned back to make sure he had greeted his driver.
Her journey reflects the transformation of the Indian American and broader south Asian community in the US.LG Miller
Lt Gov Miller represented District 15 through January 2019 and later served on the Maryland State Ethics Commission from 2019 to 2021. Lt Gov Aruna Miller 
Miller is now seeking a second term alongside Gov. Wes Moore.LG Miller