Abdulnasser Alshaali, UAE’s ambassador to India, has stressed the importance of increasing flight options between the two countries to address rising demand and soaring airfares. Speaking at the inaugural UAE-India Founders’ Retreat in Dubai’s DIFC, he called for improved transport links to strengthen bilateral relations.
“The demand for air travel has surged, and seat availability hasn’t kept up. We need more flights to control rising prices,” Alshaali explained.
The ambassador proposed expanding flight options, including connecting Tier 2 Indian cities with the UAE. “Indians often prefer flying to airports closer to their hometowns, so adding these routes is essential,” he added.
Boosting Tourism and Business
Alshaali emphasized how more flights would foster tourism, create jobs, and enhance business opportunities. “This initiative aims to benefit both sides and redefine the dynamics of our partnership,” he said.
The retreat, organized by the UAE Embassy in Delhi and the UAE-India CEPA Council (UICC), gathered over 60 Indian startup founders, UAE business leaders, investors, and policymakers. Key attendees included Essa Kazim, governor of DIFC; Hadi Badri, CEO of Economic Development at the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism; and Faraz Khalid, CEO of Noon.
Strengthening Economic Ties
Discussing the UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), Alshaali noted its success in boosting bilateral trade. “Trade between the two nations has exceeded $80 billion, growing over 15%, with the agricultural and pharmaceutical sectors seeing more than 30% growth,” he shared.
Supporting Startups
The ambassador also highlighted efforts to support startups through events and networking opportunities. “The UAE is a global hub for businesses, with over 200 nationalities providing a platform for growth,” he said.
Indian startups are particularly drawn to Dubai due to CEPA and initiatives like the Golden Visa, which simplifies setting up businesses. “Our focus is to help startups connect with the right markets and scale globally,” Alshaali explained.
Message to Indian Entrepreneurs
Alshaali encouraged Indian entrepreneurs to view the UAE as a second home. “This isn’t about leaving India but using the UAE as a gateway to global markets,” he said, adding that deeper collaborations and more direct flights would further strengthen ties.
By enhancing connectivity and fostering partnerships, Alshaali expressed confidence in achieving greater milestones in UAE-India relations.
