Investopia launched a new edition of Investopia Dialogues in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, marking its fifth consecutive edition in India and reinforcing the growing economic partnership between the UAE and India.

Held on 23 July 2026, the event brought together more than 500 leaders, senior officials, investors and entrepreneurs from both countries. The dialogue focused on strengthening bilateral investment partnerships and identifying new opportunities in future-focused sectors, including supply chains, food security, logistics, financial services, tourism, artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing.

The event was attended by H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism and Co-Chair of the Investopia Board of Trustees, and H.E. Bhupendrabhai Patel, Chief Minister of Gujarat. Participants also included H.E. Abdulrahman Mohammed Alhawi, Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Investment and President of Investopia; H.E. Dhafer Al Qasimi, CEO of Silal Group; Sheikh Saqr bin Omar Al Qasimi, CEO of Marjan Developers; Yusuff Ali M.A., Chairman and Managing Director of Lulu Group; and Eng. Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi, Group CEO of EMSTEEL.

SUPPORTING THE UAE-INDIA ECONOMIC CORRIDOR

Investopia Dialogues – Ahmedabad was designed to support deeper economic cooperation between the UAE and India, particularly through the UAE-India Economic Corridor. Discussions focused on expanding the role of the private sector, boosting capital flows and developing partnerships across priority sectors.

H.E. Bin Touq said the UAE-India economic relationship is strategic and growing rapidly across vital sectors, supported by the shared vision of both countries’ leadership.

“Investopia provides a vital platform to elevate bilateral partnerships to new heights, particularly in new economy sectors. It continues to solidify its role as a leading global platform connecting governments with business communities and investors,” he stated.

He added that the number of Indian companies operating in the UAE reached 290,222 by the end of H1 2026, reflecting 16.7% growth compared to the same period in 2025. Between 2020 and 2025, the number of Indian companies in the UAE surged by 109%, underscoring the expanding presence of Indian businesses in UAE markets.

GUJARAT AS A STRATEGIC ECONOMIC HUB

During the event, H.E. Bin Touq held a bilateral meeting with H.E. Bhupendrabhai Patel to explore opportunities for enhancing economic cooperation between the UAE and Gujarat.

The meeting covered potential partnerships across advanced manufacturing, logistics, food security and tourism, while highlighting the importance of strengthening ties between the UAE and Indian business communities.

H.E. Bin Touq noted that Gujarat’s selection as host reflects its position as one of India’s leading industrial and economic hubs. The state has a strong ecosystem across ports, industry, food processing, renewable energy, logistics and entrepreneurship, making it a key focal point for the next phase of the UAE-India Economic Corridor.

EXPANDING INVESTMENT AND FINANCIAL LINKAGES

H.E. Abdulrahman Mohammed Alhawi said the investment partnership between the UAE and India is among the most dynamic and fastest-growing globally, particularly since the Bilateral Investment Treaty came into force in 2024.

He noted that the UAE accounts for more than 70% of total investment inflows from GCC countries into India, while nearly 4,000 new Indian companies joined Dubai Chamber of Commerce during the first quarter of 2026.

The event also included sessions on scaling bilateral investment and developing a new financial corridor between the UAE and India. Discussions explored the role of sovereign wealth funds, family offices and private capital in financing strategic projects and infrastructure, as well as opportunities to strengthen cooperation between financial centres, improve regulatory frameworks and enable cross-border capital flows.

AI, ADVANCED MANUFACTURING AND FUTURE INDUSTRIES

A session titled “Building Gujarat’s AI Economy” explored opportunities to develop a comprehensive artificial intelligence ecosystem through investments in data centres, computing capabilities and digital infrastructure.

The discussion supported Gujarat’s ambition to become a regional hub for technology, innovation and advanced manufacturing, while identifying areas for UAE-India collaboration in AI and advanced technologies.

Another session, “Frontier Industries,” focused on opportunities across semiconductors, industrial engineering, automotive manufacturing and advanced materials. Participants discussed the need to accelerate knowledge transfer, technology partnerships and smarter production chains to enhance the competitiveness of both economies.

FOOD SECURITY, TOURISM AND THE EXPERIENCE ECONOMY

The dialogue also explored opportunities in food security and agri-value chains, with a focus on modern agriculture, food processing, AgriTech, cold chain infrastructure and logistics. These areas are expected to play a key role in building more resilient and sustainable supply chains.

The session on “Tourism, Sports, and the Experience Economy” highlighted opportunities across tourism, aviation, hospitality, sports and entertainment events. It also examined how these sectors can create new investment opportunities, strengthen economic destinations and increase tourism flows between the UAE and India.

MAJOR PRIVATE SECTOR ANNOUNCEMENTS

Several business leaders highlighted the importance of the UAE-India relationship during the event. Yusuff Ali M.A., Chairman of Lulu Group, announced an INR 4,000-crore investment project in Ahmedabad, equivalent to approximately AED 1.53 billion. The project will include a modern shopping mall, a five-star hotel and furnished residential apartments across nearly 21 acres of land recently acquired by the group.

He said the project is expected to create more than 15,000 jobs in Gujarat. Lulu Group is also initiating plans for a food park and a fish-processing plant.

Sheikh Saqr bin Omar Al Qasimi, CEO of Marjan Developers, said Investopia in Ahmedabad reflects the depth of the UAE-India relationship, adding that Indian investors are among Marjan’s most committed partners in shaping Ras Al Khaimah into a world-class destination.

Eng. Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi, Group CEO of EMSTEEL Group, said the UAE and India share a strong and growing economic relationship, creating major opportunities for collaboration across manufacturing, infrastructure, innovation and low-carbon industrial development.

ADVANCING GLOBAL ECONOMIC DIALOGUE

Investopia Dialogues – Ahmedabad forms part of a wider series of engagements organised by Investopia across key international markets. These global dialogues aim to advance economic cooperation, explore future investment opportunities and reinforce the UAE’s position as a global hub for new economy sectors.

As the UAE and India continue to deepen their economic ties, the Ahmedabad dialogue highlighted the growing importance of private sector partnerships, resilient supply chains, future industries and cross-border investment in shaping the next phase of bilateral growth.

Source: Investopia Official Release