Abu Dhabi’s economic delegation, led by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), has concluded a high-level visit to India and Singapore, signing new cooperation agreements and holding more than 140 bilateral meetings to accelerate sectoral partnerships and capital flows. The mission is part of the emirate’s strategy to strengthen its position as a global hub for advanced industries, investment, and high-skilled talent.
The delegation held engagements with senior government officials, business groups, asset managers, UHNWIs, and major corporates in Singapore and Mumbai. Discussions focused on opportunities across life sciences, pharmaceuticals, AI, digital infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, logistics, and financial services.
Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADDED, said: “Our visit to Singapore and India comes as we continue to strengthen ties with top trade partners and economic powerhouses around the globe, and lead conversations addressing trends and transformations to ensure a brighter future for our people. Impactful partnerships are key pillars of our ‘Falcon Economy’, which is accelerating Abu Dhabi’s transition to a smart, diversified, and sustainable economy, generating ample opportunities for talent, investors, and businesses.”
He added that Abu Dhabi’s regulatory reforms, infrastructure, and business-enabling environment have helped attract rising inflows of companies and investment. “Talent, businesses, and investments in Abu Dhabi are growing in leaps and bounds,” he said.
Trade and investment flows rise sharply
Singapore’s investments in Abu Dhabi grew 25 percent in 2024, mainly in manufacturing, education, construction, and scientific activities. Indian companies operating in the emirate increased 31 percent during the same period. Al Zaabi noted that economic ties with both markets are “steadily increasing”, with discussions focused on strategic sectors including AI, fintech, pharmaceuticals, sustainable energy, and advanced industries.
Five MoUs were signed in India covering start-ups, family businesses, logistics, manufacturing, and trade facilitation.
Abu Dhabi showcases new cluster-based sectors
Forums organised by the Abu Dhabi Chamber, ADGM, ADIO, and Abu Dhabi Customs in Singapore and Mumbai highlighted investment opportunities within the emirate’s cluster strategy and diversification programmes.
The Abu Dhabi Investment Forum (ADIF) in Mumbai drew strong participation from Indian businesses evaluating expansion into the emirate. Priority sectors presented included healthcare, biopharma, agritech, food and water security, financial services, media, entertainment, sports, and gaming.
H.E. Dr. Abdulnasser Alshaali, UAE Ambassador to India, said: “Today, the UAE and India partnership is entering one of its most dynamic chapters, where decades of trust and trade are converging with the technologies and opportunities of tomorrow.”
He added that initiatives such as the UAE-India Start-up Series, launched in June 2025, are enabling founders to access capital, scale internationally, and leverage the UAE as a global launchpad.
Asian investors explore Abu Dhabi’s next-generation industries
Stakeholders from India and Singapore explored cooperation within Abu Dhabi’s three emerging clusters:
• Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industries (SAVI)
• AgriFood Growth and Water Abundance (AGWA)
• Health, Endurance, Longevity, and Medicine (HELM)
The clusters are projected to contribute AED 228 billion to GDP, create more than 120,000 jobs, and attract over AED 200 billion in investments by 2045.
The visit reinforced Abu Dhabi’s ambition to partner with fast-growing Asian economies as it accelerates growth across high-productivity sectors and strengthens its global investment footprint.
–Input WAM
