Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zones Authority (RAKEZ) has signed a strategic partnership with the UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement Council to launch the UAE-India Startup Series, WAM and Ani reported on September 15.

The memorandum of understanding was signed in the presence of Yasser Abdullah Al Ahmad, head of government and institutional communications at RAKEZ, and Ahmed Al Janeibi, director of the UAE-India Economic Partnership Agreement Council, to create a joint platform for promoting high-potential Indian startups and helping them expand to global markets.

The UAE and other Persian Gulf states have invested heavily in the global tech and artificial intelligence race in recent years, with large sums of money being paid to find the next billion-dollar unicorn. 

The initiative leverages CEPA’s trade framework to offer high-potential Indian startups funding, business setup, mentorship, and soft-landing support in Ras Al Khaimah, strengthening economic ties and accelerating cross-border innovation.

Al Ahmad said the partnership represents a strategic step towards aligning economic policies with entrepreneurial opportunities. Through cooperation with the comprehensive partnership council, RAKEZ facilitates Indian startup entry into the UAE market and enables their growth.

The agreement will see both parties implement the UAE-India Startup Series, a pioneering initiative aimed at identifying and supporting prominent Indian innovative projects seeking global expansion.

Twenty startups will be selected after a comprehensive evaluation to participate in a prominent event in New Delhi, where five winners will be chosen to receive incubation support and UAE market entry opportunities.

More than 10,000 applications have been received from Indian startups to participate in the UAE-India startup series, indicating the persistent demand for young Indians to work in the Emirates.

As part of the initiative, RAKEZ has committed to providing full support to one of the five winning companies through comprehensive sponsorship and an integrated establishment package facilitating their launch in the UAE.

RAKEZ Group Chief Executive Ramy Jallad said Indian startups lead the global innovation scene, with their growing interest in the UAE reflecting the effectiveness of Ras Al Khaimah's business ecosystem.