Gandhinagar: Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel highlighted the growing economic and strategic partnership between India and the UAE while addressing the inaugural ceremony of Investopia Global Ahmedabad 2026.
The Chief Minister said that India-UAE relations have reached new heights under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the event reflects India’s growing global role as a “Vishwamitra” by bringing nations together for economic cooperation and development.
The event was attended by senior dignitaries, including Gujarat Chief Secretary M. K. Das, CII President R. Mukundan, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders from India and the UAE.
India-UAE Relations Reach New Heights Under PM Modi’s Leadership
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said that India-UAE relations have witnessed significant growth in recent years.
He highlighted the strong diplomatic engagement between both nations, noting that:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the UAE in 2015, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country after 34 years.
- The Prime Minister has visited the UAE seven times so far.
- UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has visited India five times.
The Chief Minister also recalled welcoming the UAE President during the Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2024, describing it as an important milestone in strengthening bilateral relations.
CEPA Agreement Makes UAE India’s Third Largest Business Partner
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel highlighted the importance of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed between India and the UAE in 2022.
He stated that the agreement has transformed economic relations between the two countries and has helped the UAE become India’s third-largest business partner.
The CEPA agreement has supported growth in trade, investment, and business collaboration between both nations.
Gujarat and UAE Strengthen Trade and Global Supply Chain Partnership
The Chief Minister said Gujarat and the UAE share a historic maritime connection through the Arabian Sea, with centuries-old trade relations between the two regions.
He highlighted Gujarat’s exports to the UAE, including:
- Chemicals
- Pharmaceuticals
- Gems and jewellery
- Engineering products
- Ceramics
- Textiles
- Agricultural products
- Processed food
According to him, the partnership with the UAE provides Gujarat an opportunity to strengthen its role in global supply chains.
Gujarat Emerging as India’s Growth Engine and Global Investment Hub
Bhupendra Patel stated that Gujarat has emerged as the growth engine of India and a global gateway for future industries.
Highlighting Gujarat’s infrastructure and economic strengths, he said:
- Gujarat has one major port and 48 non-major ports, making it India’s maritime gateway.
- The state has more than 51 GW of renewable energy capacity, positioning it as a clean energy hub.
- GIFT City has emerged as India’s first fintech city.
- Three semiconductor plants are operational in Gujarat.
- Six semiconductor plants, the highest number in the country, have been approved in the state.
He added that Gujarat is well positioned to lead both traditional industries and emerging sectors.
Gujarat Offers Opportunities in Tourism and Emerging Sectors
The Chief Minister emphasized that Gujarat provides opportunities not only in industries but also in tourism.
He highlighted the state’s diverse tourism offerings, including:
- Spiritual tourism
- White Rann of Kutch desert tourism
- Adventure tourism at Shivrajpur Beach
- Patriotic tourism at Nadabet
He invited UAE business leaders and investors to explore new ventures and partnerships in Gujarat, calling the state one of India’s best investment destinations.
UAE and India Building Strong Economic Corridor: Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri
Speaking at the event, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri said that India and the UAE are not only engaged in trade but are building a strong economic corridor.
He expressed confidence in the continued growth of economic cooperation between the two countries.
Highlighting UAE’s economic performance, he said:
- UAE recorded 5.6% GDP growth in 2025.
- The non-oil sector contributes more than 77.3% of UAE’s GDP.
- India-UAE bilateral trade crossed USD 100 billion in 2025.
- Both countries aim to increase bilateral trade to USD 200 billion by 2032.
GIFT City Becomes Key Hub for India-UAE Financial Partnership
The UAE Minister highlighted the growing importance of GIFT City in strengthening financial relations between India and the UAE.
He stated that:
- Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) has established its subsidiary office in GIFT City.
- Both countries are expanding cooperation in future sectors including:
- Semiconductors
- Financial corridors
- Food security
- Tourism
- Digital infrastructure
- Logistics
He praised Gujarat’s industrial development and stated that the state contributes around 20% of India’s total industrial exports.
Focus on Converting Partnerships into Real Projects
Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri called upon stakeholders to move beyond discussions and focus on implementing concrete projects and investment deals.
He highlighted Gujarat’s leadership in sectors such as:
- Food processing
- Chemicals
- Pharmaceuticals
- Textiles
- Engineering
The UAE Minister said Gujarat continues to remain an attractive destination for global investors.
Investopia Global Ahmedabad 2026 Brings Investors and Industry Leaders Together
The inaugural ceremony of Investopia Global Ahmedabad was designed to strengthen economic cooperation between India and the UAE.
The event brought together:
- UAE investors and entrepreneurs
- Indian industry leaders
- Government officials
- Business organizations
- Global stakeholders
Several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) are expected to further strengthen economic collaboration between Gujarat and the UAE.
The welcome address was delivered by Investopia CEO Jean Fares.
Senior Officials Attend Investopia Global Ahmedabad 2026
The event was attended by several prominent dignitaries, including:
- M. K. Das, Chief Secretary, Gujarat
- Mamta Verma, Additional Chief Secretary, Industries and Mines Department
- Sanjeev Kumar, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister
- R. Mukundan, CII President
- Veer Advani, CII Western Region Chairman
- Achal Bakeri, CII Gujarat Council Chairman
- Yusuff Ali M.A., Chairman and Managing Director, Lulu Group
Entrepreneurs, investors, and industrialists from Gujarat, India, and the UAE also participated in the event.
