Written by Dubai• November 21, 2025• 12:15 pm• Business, News • Views: 0

Abu Dhabi Family Business Council Boosts UAE-India Trade and Collaboration

The Abu Dhabi Family Business Council (ADFBC), chaired by H.E. Khaled Al Fahim, hosted a high-level roundtable in Mumbai in collaboration with Campden Family Connect, bringing together over 15 leading Indian business families to explore new avenues of investment and collaboration with Abu Dhabi.

The event formed a key part of the Abu Dhabi economic delegation’s visit to India and highlighted ADFBC’s mission to build long-term partnerships between family businesses in the UAE and India.

🌐 Key Attendees

From the UAE, prominent participants included:

H.E. Dr. Abdulnasser Jamal Alshaali, Ambassador of UAE to India
H.E. Shamis Khalfan Al Dhaheri, Second Vice Chairman, Managing Director, Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry
H.E. Hamad Sayah Al Mazrouei, Undersecretary, Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development
H.E. Khaled Al Fahim, Chairman, Abu Dhabi Family Business Council
H.E. Ali Mohammad Al Marzooqi, Director General, Abu Dhabi Chamber

From India, key representatives included:

Arihant Patni, Managing Director, Patni Financial Advisors
Pearl Agarwal, Founder & CEO, Eximius Ventures
Sarang Lakhani, Director, Vishvaraj Environment
Nehit Agarwal, Head, Shubhalaxmi Polyester Family Office
Shan Dalal, Director of Corporate Development, UNIDEL Group

These attendees discussed emerging business opportunities and the potential for cross-border investments between the two countries.

💼 Focus Areas for Collaboration

Discussions during the roundtable centered on:

Advanced Manufacturing
Clean Energy and Sustainability
Biotechnology
Logistics
Financial Technology (FinTech)

The roundtable emphasized Abu Dhabi as a strategic hub for Indian family businesses seeking global expansion from a stable and well-connected base.

🤝 Role of Campden Family Connect

Campden Family Connect, part of the Campden Wealth Group, is a leading network for India’s ultra-high net worth families, providing education, research, and peer networking.

Through this partnership with ADFBC, the roundtable facilitated knowledge exchange on:

Generational transition in family businesses
Governance and leadership
Investment strategies
Legacy building

This initiative strengthens industry links and enables focused collaboration between Emirati and Indian family enterprises.

📊 Economic Significance of Family Businesses

Family businesses are a cornerstone of both economies:

In the UAE, they represent 90% of private companies, contribute nearly 60% of GDP, and employ 80% of the private sector workforce.
In India, family enterprises account for over 75% of GDP, projected to reach 80–85% by 2047, driven by technology, manufacturing, and services.

🌟 Statements from UAE Leaders

H.E. Khaled Al Fahim, Chairman of ADFBC, emphasized:

“Relations between the UAE and India are entering a new phase of trust and collaboration. Our aim is to translate this momentum into real projects and long-term partnerships. By connecting Emirati and Indian family businesses, we are strengthening trade links, creating open networks for entrepreneurs and investors, and giving family enterprises confidence to expand globally.”

He also highlighted ADFBC’s focus on helping Emirati companies expand into Asian markets, particularly in technology, innovation, and clean energy, aligning with Abu Dhabi’s vision for a diversified, knowledge-based economy.