The UAE India Business Council – UAE Chapter marked a historic milestone, celebrating its 2nd anniversary alongside the 3rd anniversary of the India-UAE CEPA
A major highlight of the evening was the launch of several research initiatives aimed at guiding future investment and trade opportunities
The UAE India Business Council – UAE Chapter (UIBC-UC) marked its second anniversary with a landmark event, celebrating the significant progress made in strengthening economic ties between the UAE and India. The occasion also coincided with the third anniversary of the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), a trade pact that has significantly boosted bilateral trade.
Held at the residence of His Excellency Satish Kumar Sivan, Consul General of India to Dubai and Northern Emirates, the gathering brought together prominent business leaders, policymakers, and diplomats to highlight the transformative impact of CEPA. A key theme of the evening was the potential to drive $40 billion in trade growth, with innovative strategies shaping the future of economic collaboration.
Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, was the chief guest at the event, reinforcing the UAE’s commitment to strengthening trade relations. Addressing the audience, he described CEPA as a pivotal milestone in UAE-India ties, catalysing unprecedented growth in non-oil trade, which has surged to AED 240 billion since its implementation.
Also present were Indian Ambassador to the UAE, Sunjay Sudhir, and leading industry figures, including Faizal Kottikollon, Chairman of KEF Holdings and UIBC-UC; Rizwan Soomar, CEO & Managing Director, Middle East, North Africa, and India Subcontinent, DP World; and Major General (Retd.) Sharafuddin Sharaf, Vice Chairman of Sharaf Group. Founding members of UIBC-UC, including representatives from Mubadala Investment Company, Lulu Financial Holdings, EFS Facilities Services Group, Apparel Group, and Buimerc Corp, also attended.
The event underscored the achievements of the UIBC-UC in facilitating key investment projects, such as Emaar’s foreign direct investment (FDI) in Jammu and Kashmir, DP World’s Bharat Mart partnership, and a new India-UAE hospital project. These initiatives have contributed to the deepening of business ties and increased investment flows between the two nations.
New Research Initiatives
A major highlight of the evening was the launch of several research initiatives aimed at guiding future investment and trade opportunities. These include:
India-UAE Odyssey: Focus on CEPA – A comprehensive report analysing CEPA’s impact on bilateral trade and investment.
UIBC-UC x SBI Caps: Renewable Energy Sector-Investment Roadmap in India – A strategic guide to investment opportunities in India’s expanding renewable energy sector.
UIBC-UC x Andersen: Handbook for Doing Business in the UAE – A vital resource for Indian businesses looking to establish a presence in the UAE.
Opening Gateways – Tourism Opportunities India-UAE – A visually engaging coffee table book celebrating the growing tourism industry between the two countries.
These reports, launched by the UIBC-UC team including Kshitij Korde and Neha Sahni, aim to provide in-depth insights to support businesses and investors navigating the evolving India-UAE trade landscape.
Panel Discussion on Future Trade
The event featured an engaging panel discussion on “The India-UAE Growth Story,” where industry leaders delved into key sectors driving trade expansion. The panel included Faizal Kottikollon, Rizwan Soomar, and Major General (Retd.) Sharafuddin Sharaf, moderated by Thomas Kuruvilla, Managing Partner at Arthur D. Little.
Discussions highlighted the role of infrastructure, logistics, and finance in shaping economic cooperation. The speakers also emphasised the growing importance of human capital in sustaining long-term growth, a theme further explored by Indian Ambassador Sunjay Sudhir in his address.
Reflecting on the evening, Faizal Kottikollon remarked, “These milestones are a testament to the strength of India-UAE collaboration. Together, we are not just shaping the future of trade and investment but creating lasting opportunities for growth and innovation.”
With both nations poised for deeper economic integration, UIBC-UC’s continued efforts will be instrumental in driving the next phase of India-UAE trade relations, fostering innovation, investment, and inclusive economic growth.
