Abu Dhabi Economic Delegation Strengthens Trade and Investment Ties with India and Singapore

Abu Dhabi wrapped up a major economic mission to India and Singapore, signing multiple agreements and building partnerships across key sectors. The visit shows how the emirate is working to cement its position as a global hub for talent, business, and investment.

The economic delegation, led by Abu Dhabi's Department of Economic Development, held over 140 meetings with top government officials, business leaders, and investors. They focused on life sciences, pharmaceuticals, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, and financial services.

Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, chairman of Abu Dhabi's Department of Economic Development, said the visits were part of efforts to strengthen ties with major trading partners and economic powers. "We see impactful partnerships as fundamental pillars for the Falcon Economy, which promotes transformation to a smart, diversified, and sustainable economy," he said.

The numbers back up this growing relationship. Singaporean investments in Abu Dhabi jumped 25% in 2024, focusing on manufacturing, education, construction, and professional services. Indian companies operating in the emirate grew by 31% last year.

During the mission, Abu Dhabi entities signed five memorandums of understanding with Indian partners covering startups, family businesses, logistics, industry, and trade facilitation. The agreements span cooperation in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, agricultural technology, food and water security, financial services, media, entertainment, and gaming.

**Building startup bridges**

One standout initiative is the UAE-India Startup Series, launched in June 2024. In just months, it became India's largest startup initiative, attracting over 10,000 entrepreneurs across fintech, advanced technology, agtech, healthtech, clean energy, logistics, and advanced manufacturing.

The program will select five startups to expand globally from the UAE. Strategic partners in the innovation ecosystem will provide mentorship, market access, and trade support solutions for winning companies.

Dr. Abdulnasser Jamal Al Shaali, UAE Ambassador to India, highlighted how the partnership builds on decades of trust and trade. "Through pioneering initiatives like the UAE-India Startup Series, we contribute to empowering talent by providing access to investments and the UAE's business-supporting ecosystem," he said.

**Future-focused sectors**

The delegation promoted Abu Dhabi's specialized economic clusters, including smart and autonomous vehicle manufacturing, food development and water abundance, and health, medicine, and fitness for sustainable living.

These three clusters are expected to contribute around 228 billion dirhams ($62 billion) to GDP and create over 120,000 jobs while attracting investments exceeding 200 billion dirhams ($54.5 billion) by 2045.

Various Abu Dhabi entities organized forums during the visits. The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Abu Dhabi Global Market, Abu Dhabi Investment Office, and Abu Dhabi Customs hosted events to build relationships and highlight opportunities from Abu Dhabi's economic growth and diversification plans.

The Abu Dhabi Investment Forum in Mumbai gave Indian companies and investors direct access to decision-makers, showcasing collaboration opportunities across multiple sectors.

For investors and businesses, this mission signals Abu Dhabi's serious push to diversify beyond oil and build partnerships in high-growth sectors. The emirate is betting on these relationships to help drive its transformation into a knowledge-based economy, with India and Singapore serving as key gateways to Asian markets and talent pools.