How Does the India-UAE CEPA Foster Innovation and Opportunities for Startups?
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Synopsis
Discover how the UAE-India CEPA is reshaping the startup landscape, fostering innovation, and creating opportunities for entrepreneurs. This strategic partnership between First Abu Dhabi Bank and the CEPA Council is set to unlock new avenues for growth and collaboration.
Key Takeaways
- The UAE-India CEPA is a transformative agreement fostering innovation.
- The partnership with First Abu Dhabi Bank enhances support for startups.
- Over 10,000 applications have been received for the UAE–India Start-Up Series.
- The agreement facilitates cross-border entrepreneurship.
- Participants gain access to tailored banking solutions and mentorship.
Mumbai, Nov 21 (NationPress) The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) has revolutionized the UAE-India alliance into a hub for collaborative innovation and opportunity, stated Abdulnasser Alshaali, the UAE Ambassador to India. He emphasized that the new deal between First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) and the CEPA Council marks a significant leap in facilitating startups to expand across our nations.
This agreement “showcases the UAE’s ongoing dedication to empowering innovators while enhancing capital and technology transfers across the CEPA route,” Alshaali mentioned during an event in Mumbai.
“While much of the investment originates from Abu Dhabi, the emirate is evolving into a growth destination. With robust incentives and vibrant partnerships with local firms, we are witnessing a strong appetite for investment and expansion,” he added.
FAB has formed a strategic alliance with the UAE-India CEPA Council (UICC) to boost cross-border entrepreneurship, providing high-potential Indian startups the means to scale on a global stage via the UAE.
By integrating FAB’s extensive financial resources with the CEPA Council’s premier innovation platform, this collaboration ignites the innovation and investment pillars of the UAE–India CEPA.
As part of this collaboration, FAB will support the UAE–India Start-Up Series, UICC’s flagship initiative aimed at identifying and nurturing the most promising early-stage ventures in India.
Since its inception in June 2025, the Series has garnered over 10,000 applications, establishing it as the largest startup initiative of its kind in India.
Under the agreement, FAB will grant one of the five winning startups from the Series a dedicated soft-landing package in the UAE.
This support will encompass tailored banking solutions, mentorship from FAB’s sector specialists, and facilitated introductions to corporate partners, investors, and regulators.
“The UAE and India are united in their aspiration to cultivate globally competitive, innovation-driven economies. Through this strategic partnership with the UAE–India CEPA Council, FAB will offer the financial solutions, strategic insights, and global connections that entrepreneurs need to expand from the UAE to key international markets,” stated Nimesh Karwanyun, Country CEO-India, First Abu Dhabi Bank.
Ahmed Aljneibi, Director of the UAE–India CEPA Council, emphasized that FAB’s partnership significantly enhances the Start-Up Series and the broader CEPA innovation corridor.
Point of View
It's essential to note that the India-UAE CEPA represents a strategic move towards enhancing economic ties and fostering innovation. This partnership not only benefits the startups involved but also signifies a broader commitment to collaborative growth in the region. Such initiatives are critical in today's competitive landscape, and it is encouraging to see both nations actively pursuing opportunities that can lead to mutual success.
NationPress
21/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)?
The CEPA is a trade agreement between the UAE and India aimed at enhancing economic cooperation, promoting trade, and fostering innovation between the two nations.
How does the partnership with First Abu Dhabi Bank support startups?
The partnership provides startups with access to financial solutions, mentorship, and opportunities for global expansion through the UAE.
What is the UAE–India Start-Up Series?
It is a flagship initiative by the UAE-India CEPA Council designed to discover and empower promising early-stage ventures in India.
How many applications has the Start-Up Series received?
Since its launch in June 2025, the Series has received over 10,000 applications, making it the largest startup initiative of its kind in India.
What benefits will the winning startups receive?
One of the winning startups will receive a dedicated soft-landing package in the UAE, which includes tailored banking solutions and mentorship from experts.
