emirates7 - Dubai Chambers successfully wrapped up the Dubai–India Business Forum held in Mumbai, coinciding with the official visit of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, to India.
The forum, aimed at strengthening economic cooperation between the two markets, welcomed over 200 top officials and investors, including a 39-member delegation of prominent Dubai business leaders.
Taking place three years after the signing of the UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) on 18th February 2022—the UAE’s first bilateral trade pact under its CEPA initiative—the event reflected the growing momentum in the economic relationship between the two nations.
Attendees engaged in discussions to boost trade and investment collaboration between Indian and Dubai-based businesses, while exploring new joint ventures and strategic partnerships. Talks also focused on leveraging the competitive advantages of both markets to further strengthen bilateral trade and economic growth.
In his opening remarks, Ahmad bin Byat, Vice Chairman of Dubai Chambers, said, "Dubai and India enjoy a strong, longstanding partnership based on trust and shared economic ambitions. India is one of Dubai’s key trading partners, with non-oil trade between the two sides reaching over AED142 billion in the first nine months of 2024—an increase of 19% compared to the previous year."
Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, noted, "Dubai’s strategic location and unique advantages make it an ideal investment hub for Indian businesses. By the end of March 2025, there were 72,651 Indian companies registered with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce." He also highlighted that 4,563 new Indian companies joined during Q1 2025, representing a 16.2% year-over-year increase. Indian firms now lead in terms of the number of foreign businesses registered in Dubai.
Lootah added that hosting the Dubai–India Business Forum in Mumbai demonstrates Dubai Chambers’ commitment to deepening business relations between the two markets and uncovering new opportunities across vital sectors. He emphasized the forum’s role in fostering long-term partnerships and mutual economic progress through shared initiatives.
The forum featured a panel discussion including Lootah; 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 and current committee member of the IMC Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The panel explored the future of Dubai-India trade and investment ties amid global economic shifts, highlighting Dubai’s position as a strategic launchpad for Indian companies seeking international expansion. The conversation also focused on maximizing Dubai’s role as a global trade and investment gateway and enhancing economic collaboration between both regions.
The Dubai–India Business Forum is a key component of Dubai Chambers’ broader goals to build strategic global partnerships, expand cross-border trade, attract new investments, and identify emerging opportunities across major international markets.
The forum, aimed at strengthening economic cooperation between the two markets, welcomed over 200 top officials and investors, including a 39-member delegation of prominent Dubai business leaders.
Taking place three years after the signing of the UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) on 18th February 2022—the UAE’s first bilateral trade pact under its CEPA initiative—the event reflected the growing momentum in the economic relationship between the two nations.
Attendees engaged in discussions to boost trade and investment collaboration between Indian and Dubai-based businesses, while exploring new joint ventures and strategic partnerships. Talks also focused on leveraging the competitive advantages of both markets to further strengthen bilateral trade and economic growth.
In his opening remarks, Ahmad bin Byat, Vice Chairman of Dubai Chambers, said, "Dubai and India enjoy a strong, longstanding partnership based on trust and shared economic ambitions. India is one of Dubai’s key trading partners, with non-oil trade between the two sides reaching over AED142 billion in the first nine months of 2024—an increase of 19% compared to the previous year."
Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, noted, "Dubai’s strategic location and unique advantages make it an ideal investment hub for Indian businesses. By the end of March 2025, there were 72,651 Indian companies registered with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce." He also highlighted that 4,563 new Indian companies joined during Q1 2025, representing a 16.2% year-over-year increase. Indian firms now lead in terms of the number of foreign businesses registered in Dubai.
Lootah added that hosting the Dubai–India Business Forum in Mumbai demonstrates Dubai Chambers’ commitment to deepening business relations between the two markets and uncovering new opportunities across vital sectors. He emphasized the forum’s role in fostering long-term partnerships and mutual economic progress through shared initiatives.
The forum featured a panel discussion including Lootah; 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 and current committee member of the IMC Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The panel explored the future of Dubai-India trade and investment ties amid global economic shifts, highlighting Dubai’s position as a strategic launchpad for Indian companies seeking international expansion. The conversation also focused on maximizing Dubai’s role as a global trade and investment gateway and enhancing economic collaboration between both regions.
The Dubai–India Business Forum is a key component of Dubai Chambers’ broader goals to build strategic global partnerships, expand cross-border trade, attract new investments, and identify emerging opportunities across major international markets.