Jobaaj Stories
Sheikh Hamdan's Historic Visit to India Strengthens UAE-India Ties
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Defence, made a landmark visit to India on April 8th, 2025, marking his first official trip in his current capacity. This visit underscored the already strong and rapidly growing relationship between the UAE and India, focusing on strengthening bilateral cooperation across diverse sectors.
A Warm Welcome and High-Level Talks
Welcomed with a ceremonial guard of honour by Indian Minister Suresh Gopi, Sheikh Hamdan engaged in high-level discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other top officials, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. These meetings aimed to solidify the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations. On X (formerly Twitter), Sheikh Hamdan shared his pleasure at meeting Prime Minister Modi, highlighting the shared vision for a prosperous future built on trust and innovation.
Booming Trade and Investment
The visit further cemented the already robust economic ties between the UAE and India. In 2023 alone, trade between Dubai and India reached a staggering $45.4 billion (AED 165 billion), with non-oil trade volume hitting $54.2 billion (AED 199 billion). The strong business environment in Dubai continues to attract Indian entrepreneurs, with over 70,000 Indian companies now part of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, including 16,623 new additions in 2024 alone. Significant investments flow both ways, with Indian investment in Dubai reaching AED 15 billion and Dubai's investments in India touching AED 17.2 billion over the past five years. Companies like DP World, operating in India for over two decades, are further strengthening these links, recently signing a $3 billion expansion agreement in Gujarat.
Beyond Business: Tourism and People-to-People Connections
The strong relationship extends beyond trade and investment. In 2024, Dubai welcomed 3.14 million visitors from South Asia, with India contributing the largest share. Emirates Airline, connecting Dubai to nine Indian cities with 167 weekly flights since 1985, plays a crucial role in facilitating this people-to-people exchange. The large Indian diaspora in Dubai (around 4.3 million) further strengthens the cultural and commercial links between the two nations.
Looking Ahead: A Future of Collaboration
Sheikh Hamdan's visit is a testament to the enduring partnership between the UAE and India. The discussions held during this significant visit are paving the way for enhanced cooperation in defence, trade, technology, and cultural exchange, promising a future of shared prosperity and innovation.
