The UAE–India Business Council has launched its 2026 programme aimed at strengthening economic and strategic ties between the two countries, WAM reported.
Focus areas
The council’s roadmap is built around three main pillars: knowledge building, strategic facilitation, and direct engagement. Plans for the year include producing policy papers on artificial intelligence integration, infrastructure, sovereign wealth funds, consumer behaviour, and supply chains. Joint projects in Africa are also expected to feature in the council’s agenda.
Previous initiatives
In 2025, the council hosted the first India–UAE: Partners in Progress Conclave, which brought together senior policymakers, investors, and business leaders. A closed-door strategic meeting in Dubai with India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, reinforced policy alignment and shared economic priorities.
The council also reported developments on the UAE–India Friendship Hospital and continued support for social infrastructure and healthcare projects. Its education initiatives include the DREAM School in Kashmir, focused on expanding access to education and skills development.
Future plans
The council will lead policy dialogues and reciprocal trade missions to enhance cooperation in sectors such as advanced manufacturing, clean energy, fintech, and healthcare innovation. These efforts are aligned with the goal of raising bilateral trade and investment to US$200 billion.
The UAE–India Business Council is also set to contribute its expertise to the World Governments Summit 2026, reinforcing its role in linking policy planning with economic action.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
