India-UAE Partnership and Innovation
The partnership between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is evolving from co-investment to co-innovation and artificial intelligence (AI). Badr Jafar, the UAE’s special envoy for business and philanthropy, highlights this shift.
Areas of Cooperation
- Advanced Computing and AI: The collaboration aims to enhance capabilities in advanced computing, data centers, and AI-enabled services, positioning the UAE-India corridor as a co-creator of AI’s next phase.
- Beyond AI: Cooperation extends to:
- Advanced manufacturing
- Low-carbon industries
- Clean energy and grid-scale storage
- Digital infrastructure and fintech rails
- Healthcare innovation and biopharma supply chains
- Smart logistics and trade platforms
AI Initiatives in the UAE
- The UAE appointed the world's first minister of state for AI in 2017.
- Established the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence in 2019, the world’s first AI-dedicated university.
- AI is expected to contribute about 14% to UAE's GDP by 2030.
India's Contribution
India brings a rich digital public infrastructure, engineering depth, and scale to the partnership, enhancing the collaborative potential in AI and technology sectors.
Economic Corridor and Trade Goals
The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, signed in 2022, set a target of $100 billion in bilateral trade by 2030, achieved five years early. The aim now is to double this to $200 billion by 2032, marking a rapid pace of growth and alignment.
Trade and Investment Statistics
- Non-oil trade grew nearly 20% last year, reaching $65 billion.
- UAE investors have deployed over $22 billion in India across various sectors like infrastructure and healthcare.
- Indian investments in the UAE exceed $16 billion, focusing on manufacturing and regional headquarters establishment.
