The Indian Business and Professional Council (IBPC Dubai) has introduced a groundbreaking new membership category designed to empower women and young professionals
Dubai’s business landscape is set for a significant transformation with the Indian Business and Professional Council (IBPC Dubai) unveiling a new membership category aimed at empowering women and young professionals. The move comes at a time when entrepreneurship in the UAE is thriving, with a recent Mastercard study showing that 49 percent of women and 47 percent of men identify as entrepreneurs.
Recognising the need to support emerging business leaders, IBPC has introduced an Affiliate Tier designed specifically for women of all ages and individuals under 45. Priced at just AED 500, this initiative seeks to provide a platform that nurtures talent, offers mentorship, and fosters strong networking opportunities. The launch is part of IBPC’s broader mission to create an inclusive business environment that nurtures the next generation of leaders.
IBPC Chairman Siddharth Balachandran described the initiative as a major step towards ensuring greater diversity in leadership across industries. He highlighted that women and young professionals bring fresh ideas, creativity, and resilience, making them a vital force in shaping the future of business in the UAE. The introduction of the Affiliate Tier, he noted, is a testament to IBPC’s commitment to equipping these entrepreneurs with the necessary tools and support to thrive.
The move comes at a time when entrepreneurship in the UAE is thriving, with a recent Mastercard study showing that 49 percent of women and 47 percent of men identify as entrepreneurs.
The announcement also coincides with a major restructuring of IBPC’s membership tiers. Moving away from a size-based distinction for corporate members, the council has adopted a benefits-driven approach that ensures greater flexibility and value. Under the new structure, all existing memberships will automatically transition to the updated tiers with minimal financial impact, ensuring a seamless experience for members while maintaining competitive membership fees.
In addition to the Affiliate Tier, IBPC’s membership now includes Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond categories, each offering a range of benefits suited to members at different stages of their professional journeys. The Silver membership provides essential benefits such as voting rights, event access, and participation in focus groups. The Gold membership enhances these offerings with exclusive event invitations, company spotlights, and membership in advocacy platforms. The Platinum tier is tailored for members seeking personalised support, including dedicated event curation, speaker opportunities, and targeted advocacy interventions. At the highest level, the Diamond membership offers lifetime access to mentorship programmes, premium business opportunities, and IBPC’s vast network of industry leaders in the UAE.
IBPC’s focus on inclusivity and diversity was underscored at a special Women’s Day event where the new membership structure was officially announced. The event also saw the felicitation of Bubbles Kaur Khandari, Vice Chairman of the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara, in recognition of her contributions to the community. A dynamic panel discussion featured influential businesswomen, including Dr. Nahla Abdul Razzaq Kazim, founder and CEO of Kazim’s Fertility Barza; educator and entrepreneur Chetna Buxani Shastri; and CEO of E-movers Siddhi Joshi. The session was moderated by Neetu Chandra, CEO of Evolvitude, while Stuti Sinha, a branding and strategic communications consultant, served as the event’s MC. The opening address was delivered by Jaya Mahalingam, Director at Ideal Capital Management Consultants, Dubai, and the vote of thanks was presented by Gomathi Seetharaman, a health and wellness champion and founder of Arogya Yatra.
Haya Mashhood, a philanthropy consultant, took the stage to unveil the new membership categories, providing attendees with detailed insights into IBPC’s vision for the future. She explained that the restructuring of the membership model aligns with the council’s ongoing efforts to enhance accessibility and engagement within the Indian business community in Dubai. By offering affordable and tailored membership options, IBPC aims to remove barriers that have traditionally limited the participation of young entrepreneurs and women in high-level business networking and decision-making circles.
IBPC’s leadership strongly believes that fostering entrepreneurship among women and youth will have a far-reaching impact on the UAE’s economic landscape. The council’s efforts reflect the country’s broader push to encourage innovation, investment, and leadership diversity across industries. The UAE’s reputation as a global business hub has been built on its ability to attract and support ambitious professionals, and initiatives like IBPC’s new membership structure play a crucial role in sustaining this momentum.
As the Affiliate Tier opens doors for a new generation of business leaders, IBPC is positioning itself as a catalyst for growth and transformation in the UAE’s Indian business community. With its focus on mentorship, advocacy, and visibility, the new membership category provides an invaluable opportunity for young professionals and women to connect with industry experts, gain strategic insights, and build the confidence needed to navigate the business world successfully.
With this bold new step, IBPC is reaffirming its commitment to fostering a dynamic and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem. The council remains dedicated to providing sustained value to its members through meaningful connections, targeted opportunities, and insightful discussions that empower businesses to thrive. By bridging gaps and creating pathways for emerging entrepreneurs, IBPC is not only redefining membership structures but also shaping the future of business leadership in the UAE.
