Abu Dhabi Family Business Council Strengthens UAE-India Business Ties Through Collaborative Roundtable

The Abu Dhabi Family Business Council (ADFBC) recently held a private roundtable in Mumbai with Campden Family Connect. This event brought together over 15 notable Indian business families to discuss collaboration opportunities with Abu Dhabi. The roundtable was part of the Abu Dhabi economic delegation's visit to India, aiming to foster long-term partnerships between family enterprises in both nations.

Family businesses are crucial to both economies. In the UAE, they make up about 90% of private companies, contributing nearly 60% of GDP and providing 80% of private sector jobs. In India, family enterprises contribute over 75% of GDP, with expectations to rise to 80-85% by 2047 due to growth in technology, manufacturing, and services.

The discussions at the roundtable highlighted the potential for collaboration in sectors like advanced manufacturing, clean energy, biotechnology, logistics, and financial technology. Abu Dhabi is seen as a preferred destination for Indian family businesses seeking global expansion from a stable base. The event underscored ADFBC’s mission to build enduring partnerships between family enterprises in both countries.

Khaled Al Fahim, Chairman of ADFBC and Board Member of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stated that this initiative reflects Abu Dhabi’s dedication to forming lasting global partnerships between family enterprises. "Relations between the UAE and India are entering a new phase of depth and trust," he said. "Our aim at the Abu Dhabi Family Business Council is to translate this momentum into real projects and long-term partnerships in the new economy."

ADFBC is focused on helping Emirati companies expand into promising Asian markets, particularly in technology, innovation, and clean energy. These areas are key pillars of Abu Dhabi’s economic vision for a diversified, knowledge-based economy. Representatives from India's private sector expressed strong interest in collaborating with ADFBC for joint investments and expertise exchange.

The organisation of this roundtable aligns with broader efforts by the Abu Dhabi Chamber and its partners to strengthen international business ties. It supports Emirati small and medium enterprises in expanding into fast-growing Asian markets while ensuring family businesses remain central to Abu Dhabi’s competitive economy.

Key Participants

The roundtable was attended by Dr. Abdulnasser Jamal Alshaali, UAE Ambassador to India; Shamis Khalfan Al Dhaheri, second Vice Chairman; Hamad Sayah Al Mazrouei, Undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development; Khaled Al Fahim; and Ali Mohammad Al Marzooqi from the Abu Dhabi Chamber. From India, participants included Arihant Patni from Patni Financial Advisors; Pearl Agarwal from Eximius Ventures; Sarang Lakhani from Vishvaraj Environment; Nehit Agarwal from Shubhalaxmi Polyester; Shan Dalal from UNIDEL Group; among others.

Campden Family Connect partnered with ADFBC for this roundtable as part of their role within Campden Wealth group. They provide education, research, and networking for India's ultra-high net worth community. This partnership created a direct channel between leading Indian business families and Abu Dhabi’s family business ecosystem.

Representatives noted that Abu Dhabi is increasingly viewed as a strategic gateway to the Middle East and Africa. They praised Emirati family businesses as global examples of resilience, innovation, and responsible stewardship.

With inputs from WAM