Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited a labour camp in Abu Dhabi on Sunday to highlight New Delhi's concern about the welfare of its migrant workers helping to build glitzy skyscrapers, hotels and museums in the Gulf state.

Modi's two-day visit to the UAE coincides with international calls to improve workers' conditions in Gulf countries, which rely on Asian labour for its infrastructure projects.

Some 2.6 million Indians live and work in the UAE, according to Indian embassy figures. The embassy estimates about 60 per cent of those are blue-collar workers.

About 200 workers broke into applause when Modi arrived at an indoor basketball court at the labour camp in the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi. Modi chatted with the workers, enquiring about the place and their welfare and jobs, but made no comments to the media.

Meanwhile, an official of India's Ministry of External Affairs said in his twitter account that the UAE government has decided to allot land for building a temple in Abu Dhabi.

Modi was due to attend a public event in Dubai on Monday with some 40,000 Indian expatriates expected to attend.

"He wants to convey that the safety, security and welfare conditions for Indian workers should not be ignored," a senior Indian government official told Reuters in New Delhi.

"The Indian government is aware that the UAE will employ thousands of Indian workers to organise the World Expo 2020, but after the recent Qatar experience, the government wants to send a clear message that India will not allow rampant exploitation of its workers."

In November, India launched a campaign for higher wages for its workers in the Gulf states. Indian diplomats raised the minimum salaries they recommend because of higher living costs.

UAE officials, including the labour minister, have said that labour legislation in the country is in line with the UAE constitution. Laws regulate the labour market, providing protection of workers and their rights, they said.

Several measures, including mid-day breaks for workers in the country's sweltering summer heat, better healthcare facilities and accommodation have been provided across the UAE. But rights groups think a lot more needs to be done.

Modi had earlier toured the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, in what analysts said was an attempt to put behind him allegations he had done nothing to save Indian Muslims during 2002 riots in which hundreds were killed.

Modi held talks with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan today. He will meet Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashed al Maktoum, who is also the UAE prime minister.

He will also be seeking to engage Abu Dhabi, one of the richest sovereign wealth funds in the world, to invest in India as well as expand cooperation in the energy sector. Abu Dhabi accounts for 9 per cent of India's energy needs and India wants to increase that, the official said.

"The orientation of the Gulf countries has always been towards US and Europe, but the prime minister wants to highlight the benefits of investing in India and he wants to engage Abu Dhabi on long-term projects," the official said.  - Reuters and TradeArabia News Service