Abu dhabi: The Abu Dhabi economic delegation, led by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), concluded a successful visit to India and Singapore, signing agreements and exploring opportunities to strengthen partnerships in various sectors as part of the emirate's ongoing endeavours to cement its position as a global magnet for talent, businesses, and investments.
According to Emirates News Agency, the Abu Dhabi economic delegation engaged in high-level meetings with top government officials, business leaders, and investors in Singapore and Mumbai, exploring opportunities in key sectors including life sciences, pharmaceuticals, AI, digital infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, and financial services. Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADDED, emphasized the importance of these partnerships, describing them as key pillars of Abu Dhabi's 'Falcon Economy', which supports the transition towards a smart, diversified, and sustainable economy.
Al Zaabi highlighted the significant rise in investments from Singapore and Indian companies operating in Abu Dhabi in 2024, marking a 25% and 31% increase, respectively. These discussions focused on deepening partnerships in strategic economic sectors and clusters. During the visits, over 140 bilateral meetings were held with leading entities to co-create and seize opportunities in various industries and geographies.
Five Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed with Indian partners to enhance collaboration in startups, family businesses, logistics, manufacturing, and trade facilitation. Forums and events organized by the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, ADGM, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), and Abu Dhabi Customs in Singapore and Mumbai aimed to build relations and highlight opportunities from Abu Dhabi's plans for economic growth and diversification.
The Abu Dhabi Investment Forum (ADIF) in Mumbai offered Indian businesses and investors a platform to explore opportunities in Abu Dhabi, focusing on sectors such as healthcare, biopharma, agritech, and financial services. Addressing the forum, H.E. Dr. Abdulnasser Alshaali, UAE Ambassador to India, underscored the dynamic chapter of the UAE-India partnership and initiatives like the 'UAE-India Start-up Series', which connects Indian talent with UAE's strategic capital and global reach.
The UAE-India Start-up Series has become India's largest start-up initiative, with more than 10,000 founders participating across various tech sectors. Senior policymakers and business leaders from India and Singapore explored new avenues of collaboration, showcasing Abu Dhabi's evolving investment landscape and opportunities in high-growth sectors.
Indian and Singaporean entities discussed collaborations in next-generation industries and Abu Dhabi's sector-specific clusters, including Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industries, AgriFood Growth and Water Abundance, and Health, Endurance, Longevity, and Medicine clusters. These clusters are projected to significantly contribute to GDP, job creation, and attract substantial investments by 2045.
