India-UAE Trade Boom: Abu Dhabi Official Reveals "Room for More" Growth

An Abu Dhabi economic official says India-UAE trade relations are stronger than ever but still have significant untapped potential. Bilateral trade reached an impressive $65 billion in 2023, showing remarkable growth in recent years. The UAE considers India a key strategic partner, with Indians owning or co-owning 30% of businesses in Abu Dhabi. Both countries are now focusing on expanding cooperation in high-growth sectors like artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and agricultural technology.

Key Points: Abu Dhabi Official Says India-UAE Trade Has Room for Growth

  • Bilateral trade surpassed $65 billion in 2023, doubling recent figures
  • 30% of Abu Dhabi businesses are owned or co-owned by Indians
  • New MoUs aim to streamline trade flows and expand market access
  • Focus areas include AI, digital transformation, health-tech and agri-tech sectors
2 min read

There's more room for India-UAE bilateral trade: Abu Dhabi official

UAE official highlights $65B bilateral trade, 30% Indian business ownership in Abu Dhabi, and new growth sectors like AI and agri-tech for expansion.

"There is room for more. We are doubling down on this, by focusing on important sectors like food, food tech, agri-tech, health tech and health, other important sectors such as digitalization and AI around infrastructure. - Hamad Sayah Al Mazrouei"

Mumbai, November 20

Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development official Hamad Sayah Al Mazrouei on Thursday highlighted the growing strength of India-UAE economic ties during a business delegation's visit here in India.

Addressing reporters here, the Undersecretary of Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development emphasised that trade between the two countries has been rising rapidly and at the same time continues to present significant untapped potential. He has asserted that "there is room for more" for more bilateral trade and collaborations.

According to him, the UAE considers India one of its most important strategic partners. "Thirty per cent of our businesses in Abu Dhabi (are) owned or co-owned by the Indians. And we have a strategic relationship. We're here. We're here not only to attract businesses, we want Indian companies to invest with us in Abu Dhabi or from Abu Dhabi to the world," he told reporters.

Al Mazrouei pointed out that bilateral trade surpassed USD 65 billion in 2023, a figure that has doubled in recent years.

He stressed that this momentum is expected to continue as both sides intensify cooperation across high-growth sectors such as food and agri-technology, health and health-tech, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and infrastructure-related innovations.

"There is room for more. We are doubling down on this, by focusing on important sectors like food, food tech, agri-tech, health tech and health, other important sectors such as digitalization and AI around infrastructure. These sectors we will be, doubling down on," he said.

He explained that the new MoUs signed during the current visit are designed to streamline and expand trade flows, building on the UAE's network of more than 20 international economic agreements.

These arrangements, he said, are structured to create smoother market access, encourage joint investment, and open new channels for business partnerships.

Al Mazrouei added that Abu Dhabi offers strong infrastructure, robust platforms for global expansion, and an environment positioned as a launchpad for companies looking to scale internationally.

"Abu Dhabi, the relationship with India goes back to the early 50s maybe. We feel we have the infrastructure, we feel we have great platforms, great launch pads, Abu Dhabi is a sandbox. Abu Dhabi is is a hub that come to trade especially in the last 5-10 years," he noted.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
My brother works in Dubai and the opportunities there for Indian professionals are amazing. The fact that 30% of Abu Dhabi businesses have Indian ownership shows how deeply connected our economies are. Hope this leads to more job creation back home too!
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Sarah B
While the trade numbers are impressive, I hope our government ensures that small and medium enterprises also benefit from these partnerships. Sometimes these big trade deals only help large corporations. The focus should be on inclusive growth.
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Arjun K
Digital transformation and AI partnerships with UAE could be a game-changer for India's tech ecosystem. The UAE's investment in infrastructure combined with India's IT talent - what a powerful combination! This is exactly the kind of strategic partnership we need.
M
Michael C
The historical ties mentioned here are important - relationships that go back to the 1950s have strong foundations. The UAE recognizing India as a strategic partner speaks volumes about our growing global economic influence. Well done to both governments for nurturing this partnership!
K
Kavya N
As someone in the agri-tech sector, I'm particularly excited about the focus on food and agriculture technology. India has so much to offer in this area, and UAE's investment capabilities could really accelerate innovation. Hope to see concrete projects soon! 🌱

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