The United Arab Emirates hosted a three-day Founders’ Retreat in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, bringing together over 60 leading Indian startup founders with UAE business leaders and policymakers. The event highlighted the growing economic partnership between the two nations and their shared commitment to innovation and growth.
Co-organized by the UAE Embassy in Delhi, Offline, and the UAE-India CEPA Council, the retreat was a landmark initiative fostering transformative collaborations. Participating ventures, averaging a valuation of $3.5 billion, included founders from 13 Indian unicorns and five publicly listed companies, emphasizing the potential for closer investment ties.
The UAE’s pivotal role in supporting India’s startup ecosystem was a central theme. UAE investors have infused nearly $20 billion into the Indian economy since 2000, significantly boosting its startup sector. Initiatives like the UAE-India Startup Bridge, established under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), have further strengthened this collaboration.
Dr. Abdulnasser Alshaali, UAE Ambassador to India, described the retreat as a testament to the shared vision for fostering innovation and investment. “Uniting UAE and Indian leaders under one roof creates business opportunities and a blueprint for global entrepreneurial success,” he said.
The event also aligned with the UAE’s broader strategy of enhancing its investment footprint in India. Recent efforts, including the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority’s initiatives in India’s GIFT City, underscore the commitment to fostering innovation and strengthening bilateral economic ties.