UAE Hosts 2nd Founders’ Retreat: Deepening India-UAE Start-Up Collaboration

The Retreat follows the UAE-India CEPA Council’s flagship program, which attracted over 10,000 applications from Indian start-ups across sectors including AI, climatetech, fintech, advanced manufacturing, mobility, and healthcare. From these, five high-potential ventures were selected to explore market expansion opportunities in the UAE. The program underscores the depth of the bilateral economic partnership and highlights the UAE’s role as a gateway for Indian entrepreneurs to access global markets. Industry leaders and investors engaged with founders to discuss scaling strategies, cross-border partnerships, and long-term engagement.  

Notable updates  
• UAE Embassy in New Delhi hosted the 2nd Founders’ Retreat (Dec 6–8, 2025)  
• Five winning Indian start-ups from the UAE-India Start-Up Series participated  
• Over 10,000 applications received across diverse innovation sectors  
• Program offers fully funded soft landing in the UAE for selected ventures  
• Initiative strengthens bilateral innovation, investment, and entrepreneurial collaboration  

Major takeaway  
The Founders’ Retreat highlights India-UAE’s growing partnership in innovation, providing Indian start-ups with global exposure and access to UAE’s thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.  

Sources: ANI, Malaysia Sun, Tribune India