Dubai Chambers and major Indian industry associations signed agreements in Bengaluru to enhance cooperation in agentic AI, deep tech, and trade, building on existing $9.3 billion investments and employment links between Dubai and India.
- MoUs enable cooperation in agentic AI and deep tech innovation.
- Dubai-Karnataka Virtual Desk to assist business expansion.
- Bilateral trade hit $60 billion in 2025 with growing FDI.
What happened
Dubai Chambers signed memoranda of understanding with Indian IT industry body Nasscom and the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI) to foster collaboration in advanced technologies and trade. These agreements were formalized during a visit by a Dubai delegation led by Mohammed Ali Rashed Lootah, CEO of Dubai Chambers, in Bengaluru. The delegation also engaged with over 50 Indian startups across various specializations including AI, deep tech, and fintech.
The MoU with Nasscom establishes a framework for cooperation focused on agentic AI and deep tech, facilitating market access for Indian firms in Dubai and encouraging knowledge exchange and innovation initiatives. The FKCCI MoU centers on strengthening trade and investment links, including launching a Virtual Dubai Desk to provide support for companies exploring Dubai market opportunities.
Why it matters
These agreements come against the backdrop of significant Indian business presence in Dubai, with 85,841 Indian companies active members of Dubai Chambers as of mid-2026 and steady growth in trade and investment flows. India is Dubai’s second-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching approximately $60 billion in 2025. Investments from Dubai into India have totaled $9.3 billion across 147 projects between 2016 and 2025, generating over 55,000 jobs.
Dubai’s focus on accelerating agentic AI adoption in its private sector aims to boost productivity and economic growth while providing Indian tech firms a gateway to markets in West Asia, North Africa, and Africa. The partnership and enhanced connectivity could drive future deals, innovation ecosystems, and sector growth beyond traditional trade areas into digital economy domains like AI, fintech, SaaS, and agritech.
What to watch next
Stakeholders should monitor how the proposed AI corridor between Dubai and Bengaluru develops, facilitating Indian firms’ entry into new regional markets. The rollout of the Virtual Dubai Desk and associated business support services will be critical in enabling companies to navigate regulatory and market-entry challenges.
A Dubai-Karnataka business event anticipated in early 2027 will provide a platform to showcase progress and forge new partnerships. Industry observers should also watch the evolution of agentic AI initiatives within Dubai’s private sector to assess how Indian tech firms leverage this demand for innovation and productivity enhancement in the UAE and wider region.