MSME Briefing Bureau

India-UAE forum explores investment, trade and innovation opportunities

At the Investopia Global–India Edition 2026 in Ahmedabad, among the key developments announced during the event was a proposal by LuLu Group Chairman and Managing Director Yusuff Ali M.A. to establish a modern shopping mall in Ahmedabad with an estimated investment of ₹4,000 crore. The project is expected to generate more than 15,000 employment opportunities, making it one of the largest retail-led investments proposed for the city in recent years.

Gujarat reinforced its position as a preferred destination for global investment on Thursday as senior leaders from India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) gathered at the Investopia Global–India Edition 2026 in Ahmedabad. The event highlighted expanding bilateral ties, fresh investment commitments and emerging opportunities across manufacturing, finance, tourism, food security and technology, with stakeholders underscoring Gujarat’s growing role in the India-UAE economic corridor.

Investopia India Puts Gujarat in Spotlight

Ahmedabad witnessed a high-profile convergence of policymakers, industry leaders and investors on Thursday as the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Investopia hosted the Investopia Global–India Edition 2026, focusing on strengthening economic cooperation between India and the UAE.

The event assumed significance amid deepening economic ties between the two nations and growing interest from Gulf investors in India’s manufacturing and infrastructure sectors. Senior representatives from both countries deliberated on avenues for collaboration spanning advanced manufacturing, logistics, fintech, food security and sustainable development.

India-UAE Economic Ties Gain Momentum

Addressing the inaugural session, H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE’s Minister of Economy and Tourism and Co-Chair of Investopia, said the India-UAE relationship had evolved into a model of economic integration and sustainable growth. He noted that the number of Indian companies operating in the UAE had reached 290,222 by the end of the first half of 2026, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 16.7 per cent.

He further stated that the UAE had invested approximately USD 25 billion in India in recent years and continued to identify opportunities in sectors including infrastructure, healthcare, technology, logistics and sustainability.

Another indicator of strengthening ties emerged during discussions on bilateral investment flows. Officials said the UAE currently accounts for more than 70 per cent of total investment inflows from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries into India, while nearly 4,000 Indian companies joined the Dubai Chamber of Commerce during the first quarter of 2026.

Gujarat’s Strategic Position Highlighted

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, addressing delegates, underlined Gujarat’s growing prominence in the India-UAE partnership and highlighted the role of GIFT City as India’s premier international financial services centre. He pointed to increasing participation by UAE institutions in the financial hub, including Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company (ADNIC), which recently secured a reinsurance licence there.

The Chief Minister also referred to the trajectory of bilateral engagement since Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2015 visit to the UAE, describing subsequent high-level interactions as instrumental in elevating the relationship between the two countries.

Focus on Future Industries

Several panel discussions during the day focused on sectors expected to shape the next phase of economic engagement.

A session on Frontier Industries examined opportunities in semiconductors, advanced manufacturing and industrial partnerships, with panellists discussing Gujarat’s emergence as a hub for technology-led manufacturing and the potential for collaboration with UAE investors.

Another discussion explored the concept of a new financial corridor linking India and the UAE through institutions based in GIFT City and UAE financial centres. Participants highlighted opportunities in banking, capital markets, fintech, asset management and family office investments.

Sessions on food security and agri-value chains examined prospects for cooperation in food processing, AgriTech, cold-chain logistics and agricultural exports, while tourism-focused discussions considered ways to leverage UAE expertise in hospitality, sports infrastructure and destination development.

Strategic Partnership Deepens

On the sidelines of the conference, UAE Minister Abdulla Bin Touq held bilateral talks with Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel to discuss expanding cooperation between Gujarat and the UAE in priority sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, tourism and food security.

Business leaders attending the event repeatedly referred to initiatives such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), Bharat Mart and GIFT City as important frameworks for accelerating cross-border investments and enhancing economic connectivity.

The deliberations concluded with a broad consensus that India-UAE ties are entering a new phase, characterised by stronger investment flows, strategic partnerships and collaboration in future-ready sectors. For Gujarat, the event served as another opportunity to position itself at the centre of an increasingly important economic relationship between India and the Gulf region.