A new chapter in the India-UAE relationship is unfolding, marked by a series of strategic agreements aimed at deepening economic, educational, and cultural ties. The announcements came during the official visit of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, underscoring the two nations’ growing synergy.
Indian Premier Institutes Set Foot in Dubai
In a historic first, two of India’s most prestigious institutions—IIM Ahmedabad and the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT)—are establishing international campuses in Dubai. IIM Ahmedabad will launch its inaugural MBA program in Dubai by September 2025, while IIFT’s overseas presence will be housed at India Pavilion in Expo City. These moves solidify Dubai’s emergence as a regional education hub and extend access to world-class Indian education for the 4.3 million-strong Indian diaspora in the UAE and nearly 9 million Indians across the Gulf.
This development builds upon last year’s opening of IIT Delhi’s international campus in Abu Dhabi, marking a continued expansion of India’s academic footprint in the Middle East.
Boosting Trade Through Infrastructure and Innovation
Among the standout economic initiatives is the launch of Bharat Mart, a major trading hub designed to streamline Indian exports to the UAE and the wider region. The unveiling of a 3D rendering of the Bharat Mart complex, and the formal start of its construction, signals a strong commitment to making bilateral trade more efficient and future-ready.
In line with this, the two nations are accelerating the development of the Virtual Trade Corridor (VTC) and the MAITRI interface, digital platforms aimed at simplifying cross-border trade logistics. These innovations complement the already active Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and further align with India’s participation in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC).
India and the UAE are targeting a significant boost in non-oil trade, aiming to cross the $100 billion milestone, building on a current trade figure that is expected to exceed $97 billion this year.
Healthcare Ties Cemented With India-UAE Friendship Hospital
Recognizing decades of trust in India’s healthcare expertise, particularly among Emirati families, Dubai has allocated land for a 100-bed India-UAE Friendship Hospital. The facility will offer affordable healthcare tailored for blue-collar Indian workers, acknowledging their longstanding contributions to the UAE’s growth. This gesture also highlights a shared commitment to people-centric development and healthcare accessibility.
Maritime Collaboration to Enhance Ship Repair Capabilities
In another landmark collaboration, Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) and Drydocks World (DDW), part of the DP World group, signed an MoU to establish ship repair clusters in Kochi and Vadinar. The partnership aims to integrate global best practices into India’s maritime repair industry and explore offshore fabrication opportunities, strengthening India’s role as a key maritime services provider.
Strengthening Business Presence and Investment Channels
To further energize business ties, an India Office of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce will soon be operational. This move is set to bolster bilateral investment and provide Indian companies with direct support in expanding their footprint in the UAE.
Indian businesses already make up a significant portion—30% to 40%—of all companies registered with the Dubai Chamber, including those in Free Zones. They remain top investors across key sectors such as tourism, healthcare, education, retail, and entertainment, reinforcing the mutual confidence in the India-UAE economic corridor.
