UAE Ambassador Launches UAE–India CEPA Start-up Series to Boost Cross-Border Innovation
Dr. Abdulnasser Alshaali, UAE Ambassador to India, emphasized the UAE’s long-standing commitment to entrepreneurship:
NEW DELHI – In a landmark initiative to boost cross-border entrepreneurship, the UAE-India CEPA Council (UICC), in collaboration with the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in India, launched the UAE–India CEPA Start-up Series at the prestigious Taj Mahal Hotel in New Delhi.
This initiative aims to strengthen innovation-led cooperation under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), supporting Indian start-ups in scaling globally through access to the UAE’s advanced innovation ecosystem.
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Dr. Abdulnasser Alshaali, UAE Ambassador to India, emphasized the UAE’s long-standing commitment to entrepreneurship:
“Start-ups are central to the UAE–India economic corridor. Through this Series, we aim to connect India’s brightest minds with the UAE’s world-class innovation infrastructure.”
The event marks a key milestone in UAE–India economic ties, which saw bilateral trade soar to USD 83.64 billion in FY 2023–24 — a 15% year-on-year increase. UAE FDI into India also tripled, reaching USD 3.35 billion, further cementing the UAE’s role as India’s fourth-largest investor.
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The launch ceremony featured MoU signings with institutions including PRIME Meghalaya, IDEATE Lab at O.P. Jindal Global University, and Jamia Hamdard, signaling a unified approach to nurturing India’s start-up potential.
Ahmed Aljneibi, Director of UICC, presented the Start-up Series’ vision, which includes a major pitch event later this year. Five selected start-ups will receive a comprehensive UAE soft-landing package, offering incubation, licensing, mentorship, and direct investor access in the Emirates.
The high-energy launch drew over 100 leaders from the start-up, investor, academic, and policy spheres. A dedicated microsite and call for applications were unveiled, with entries open until 31 July 2025.
