This opening session will set the tone for the conference by spotlighting the growing strategic and economic synergy between India and the UAE. With keynote addresses from ministers, it will highlight shared ambitions, outline the global growth trajectories of both nations, and frame the role of bilateral collaboration in driving sustainable economic development and global competitiveness.

Welcome Address:
Mr. Rajiv Podar, Chairman IBLF, CMD Podar Enterprise
Mr. Khalid Al Jarwan Al Shamsi, Executive Vice President - Commercial & Corporate Services Sector, Dubai Chambers
Mr. Dinesh Joshi, President IBLF, CMD, SatyaGiri Group

Keynote Address:
His Excellency Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, Cabinet Member and Minister of Economy and Tourism, UAE (virtual)
Hon. Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce & Industry, Government of India (virtual)

Felicitation of Honoured Guests & Vote of Thanks:
Mr. Pankaj Savara, Head UAE Chapter, IBLF

The key Investment Attraction bodies from both sides along with our Knowledge Partner shall use emerging pictures from data and numbers to present the opportunities, advantages and synergies of investments that will shape the next phase of bilateral cooperation. This session shall set the tone of the event and help the discussions that follow.

Panel consisting of:

• Invest India*
• Mr. Vijay Karia, Chairman & Managing Director, Ravin Group of Companies
• H.E. Satish Kumar Sivan, Hon. Consul General of India in Dubai*
• Mr. Avinash Gupta, MD & CEO, Dun & Bradstreet India (Knowledge Partner)

Moderator: Mr. Atul Joshi, CEO, Oyster Capital

Focused on the transformative role of emerging technologies, this session will delve into the potential of AI, digital infrastructure, fintech, and advanced manufacturing as catalysts for innovation-led growth. Thought leaders from both nations will examine how collaborative innovation can unlock new business models, talent pools, and cross-border tech ecosystems.

Panel consisting of:

• Mr. Atul Nishar, Founder of Hexaware Technologies Ltd
• Ms. Devyani Pawar, Founder and CEO, DP House of Media
• Mr. Arjun Sarkar, Vice President - Digital Ecosystem and Partnerships, Dubai Commercity
• Mr. Lalit Mahadeshwar, Founder & MD, Sateri Systems

Moderator

Highlighting untapped and high-potential sectors, this session will showcase areas ripe for investment and joint ventures, including clean energy, startups, and financial new-age products among others. It will provide insights into enabling environments, government incentives, and the role of public-private partnerships in catalyzing new-age business collaborations.

Panel consisting of:

• Mr. Rajiv Kumar, Director, PhilipCapital (DIFC), UAE
• H.E. Walid Hareb AlFalahi, CEO, Dubai Consultancy and UAE Trade Centre
• Mr. Anesh Kisoen, Sr. International Business Advisor Asia, The Hague & Partners, Netherlands

Moderator: Mr. Robert Richardson, Expo City

Following the successful signing of the CEPA and the initial signs of its positive impact on bilateral trade and investment, the discussion will now turn to the emerging horizons and evolving synergies. These developments are poised to unlock significantly greater benefits for both economies in the near future.

Panel consisting of:

• Mr. Vijay Dhage, Founder and Managing Director, WinExt Polytech
• Mr. Ajinkya Ramesh Deo, Managing Director, Rameshdeo Productions
• Mr. Stefan Ferrier, Chief Technical Officer, Baitali Group, Suriname

Moderator: Dr. Sahitya K. Chaturvedi, Secretary General, IBPC Dubai

This high-level dialogue will reflect on the strategic depth of India-UAE relations and their growing relevance in shaping regional and global economic dynamics. It will emphasize long-term vision, cultural and commercial integration, and the joint role of both nations as architects of a future built on shared prosperity and geopolitical influence.

The concluding session will feature reflections from distinguished thought leaders/ senior business delegates, underscoring the shared vision that has emerged through the day’s discussions. It will celebrate the spirit of India-UAE cooperation, recognize the key takeaways from each session, and reaffirm the commitment to building future-ready alliances.

Panel consisting of:

• Mr. Faizal E. Kottikollon, Founder & Chairman, KEF Holdings, UAE*
• H.E. Hadi Badri, CEO, Dubai Economic Development Corporation*
• Mr. Rizwan Soomar, CEO & Managing Director, MENA & India Subcontinent, DP World

Moderator: Mr. Vedant Podar, Founder & CEO, Podar Eduspace

This will culminate the event with a formal summation of the conference highlights and a vote of thanks, acknowledging the collective efforts of all participants in shaping a promising roadmap for bilateral and global engagement.

Mr. Sandeep Joshi, Executive Director, IBLF