Abu Dhabi Family Business Council boosts partnerships with Indian enterprises

The Abu Dhabi Family Business Council (ADFBC) hosted a high-level roundtable in Mumbai in partnership with Campden Family Connect, bringing together over 15 leading Indian business families to explore opportunities for collaboration with Abu Dhabi, WAM reported.

The discussions, part of the Abu Dhabi economic delegation’s visit to India, emphasized the potential of family business partnerships across sectors including advanced manufacturing, clean energy, biotechnology, logistics, and financial technology. Participants also discussed Abu Dhabi’s role as a strategic hub for Indian family enterprises seeking global expansion from a stable and connected base.

Campden Family Connect, a network for India’s ultra-high-net-worth families, collaborated with ADFBC to facilitate direct engagement between Indian and Emirati family businesses. The platform enabled knowledge sharing on governance, generational transition, investment strategy, and legacy building.

Family businesses are central to both economies. In the UAE, they account for roughly 90% of private companies, contribute nearly 60% of GDP, and provide 80% of private sector jobs. In India, family enterprises contribute more than 75% of GDP, with projections suggesting growth to 80–85% by 2047, led by technology, manufacturing, and services.

Khaled Al Fahim, Chairman of ADFBC and Board Member of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the initiative highlights Abu Dhabi’s commitment to fostering lasting international partnerships between family enterprises.

“UAE-India relations are entering a new era of trust and collaboration,” Al Fahim said. “Through initiatives like this, we aim to translate momentum into tangible projects and long-term partnerships. By connecting Emirati and Indian families, we are strengthening trade links, building networks for entrepreneurs and investors, and giving family businesses confidence to expand regionally and globally.”

Al Fahim added that ADFBC also supports Emirati companies in exploring promising Asian markets, particularly in technology, innovation, and clean energy, aligning with Abu Dhabi’s vision for a diversified, knowledge-based economy.

Indian participants expressed strong interest in joint investments and knowledge exchange, recognizing Abu Dhabi as a gateway to the Middle East and Africa and praising Emirati family businesses for their resilience, innovation, and responsible stewardship.

The roundtable aligns with broader efforts by the Abu Dhabi Chamber and its partners to strengthen international ties, support Emirati SMEs in entering high-growth Asian markets, and ensure family enterprises remain central to Abu Dhabi’s sustainable and competitive economy.

Key attendees included Dr. Abdulnasser Jamal Alshaali, UAE Ambassador to India; Shamis Khalfan Al Dhaheri, Second Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Abu Dhabi Chamber; Hamad Sayah Al Mazrouei, Undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development; Khaled Al Fahim, and Ali Mohammad Al Marzooqi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Chamber.

Indian representatives included Arihant Patni, MD of Patni Financial Advisors; Pearl Agarwal, CEO of Eximius Ventures; Sarang Lakhani, Director at Vishvaraj Environment; Nehit Agarwal, Head of Shubhalaxmi Polyester family office; and Shan Dalal, Director of Corporate Development at UNIDEL Group, along with several other prominent business families.