Dubai Chambers has successfully wrapped up the Dubai–India Business Forum in Mumbai today. The event was held alongside the visit of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, to India. The forum was designed to foster stronger economic and business ties between Dubai and India.
Over 200 Leaders Gather to Explore Economic Opportunities
The forum brought together more than 200 senior officials and investors, including a delegation of 39 prominent business leaders from Dubai. The event came three years after the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the UAE and India on February 18, 2022, which marked the UAE’s first bilateral agreement under its CEPA initiative. It also coincided with a period of growing momentum in UAE-India bilateral relations.
Enhancing Trade and Investment Ties
Discussions at the forum centered around increasing trade and investment between Dubai and India, as well as exploring opportunities for new joint ventures and strategic partnerships. The participants focused on leveraging the strengths and competitive advantages of both markets to drive growth in bilateral trade and investments.
Key Remarks from Dubai Chambers Leaders
His Excellency Ahmad bin Byat, Vice Chairman of Dubai Chambers, highlighted the importance of the strong relationship between Dubai and India. He remarked, “India is a vital trading partner for Dubai, and the value of non-oil trade between our markets exceeded AED 142 billion in the first nine months of 2024, reflecting a 19% year-on-year growth.” He expressed confidence that bilateral trade will continue to grow as the CEPA between the UAE and India marks its third anniversary.
His Excellency Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, also addressed the forum, noting that Dubai is a strategic investment hub for Indian companies. “Indian businesses play a crucial role in Dubai’s economy, with over 72,600 Indian companies registered with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce,” Lootah added. He emphasized that the forum in Mumbai was a testament to Dubai’s commitment to strengthening business ties and exploring new opportunities across sectors.
Panel Discussion Highlights Future of Dubai–India Relations
A key part of the forum was a panel discussion featuring prominent business leaders such as R Mukundan, Vice President of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Adeeb Ahamed, Chair of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) Arab Council, and Anant Singhania, Past President of the IMC Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The discussion focused on the future of trade, investment, and international expansion between Dubai and India, particularly in light of global economic shifts.
The panel also explored Dubai’s role as a strategic gateway for Indian companies looking to expand into global markets and discussed how both nations can strengthen bilateral economic cooperation.
A Platform for Long-Term Partnerships and Investment Growth
The Dubai–India Business Forum is in line with Dubai Chambers’ broader objectives to enhance strategic economic partnerships, boost cross-border trade, and create new investment opportunities locally and internationally. By fostering collaboration between Dubai and India, the event also sought to identify new avenues for business growth and trade in key global markets.
As Dubai and India continue to deepen their economic ties, this forum serves as a significant step towards realizing the shared goals of long-term commercial partnerships and mutual development.
