RAKEZ And UAE–India CEPA Council Launch Partnership To Support Indian Start-ups

The Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) and the UAE–India CEPA Council have joined forces by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement aims to support Indian start-ups in expanding globally through the UAE–India Start-up Series. Yaser Abdulla Al Ahmed from RAKEZ and Ahmed Aljneibi from the CEPA Council formalised this collaboration.

Yaser Abdulla Al Ahmed stated, "This collaboration marks a strategic step in aligning economic policy with entrepreneurial opportunity. By working closely with the CEPA Council, we are creating seamless access for Indian start-ups to enter and grow in the UAE market. Our role is not just to facilitate entry but to build an ecosystem that helps these ventures thrive and make lasting contributions to our bilateral economic ties."

The partnership focuses on delivering the Start-up Series, a key initiative aimed at helping Indian ventures go international. Through a thorough selection process, 20 start-ups will be chosen to participate in a major pitch event in New Delhi. From these, five winners will receive incubation support and market access in the UAE.

Ahmed Aljneibi expressed excitement about the initiative, saying, "We are thrilled to see over 10,000 Indian start-ups express interest in the UAE–India Start-up Series. This extraordinary response highlights the dynamism of India’s entrepreneurial community and the UAE’s growing role as a global launchpad for innovation. Our partnership with RAKEZ is about more than an MoU, it is about building bridges for start-ups to scale globally and shape the future of the UAE–India economic corridor."

RAKEZ has pledged to support one of the top five winning start-ups by offering a comprehensive soft-landing package in the UAE. This commitment underscores their dedication to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within their ecosystem.

Ramy Jallad, Group CEO of RAKEZ, shared his vision for this collaboration: "Indian start-ups are at the forefront of global innovation, and their growing interest in the UAE reflects the strength, diversity, and scalability of our ecosystem in Ras Al Khaimah. This partnership with the CEPA Council goes beyond support; it’s about empowering bold ideas and turning ambitions into reality. We’re proud to offer a launchpad where visionary Indian entrepreneurs can scale their businesses, tap into global markets, and shape the future of the UAE–India growth story."

Impact on Innovation and Growth

This initiative underlines how government commitments can translate into real opportunities for entrepreneurs through CEPA's framework. By linking India's promising ventures with UAE's business-friendly environment and infrastructure, it aims to foster cross-border collaboration.

The overwhelming response from over 10,000 applicants highlights India's eagerness for international expansion. It also showcases UAE's appeal as a preferred partner for global entrepreneurs. The collaboration between RAKEZ and CEPA Council aims to create long-term value for both economies while reinforcing their partnership as drivers of innovation.

The UAE–India Start-up Series stands as a pioneering effort under CEPA's framework. It seeks not only to accelerate cross-border cooperation but also set new standards for growth driven by innovation.

With inputs from WAM