The ET Indo Global Leaders 2026 event in Dubai at Al Habtoor Palace showcased the dynamic partnership between India and the UAE, attracting a notable assembly of entrepreneurs, investors, business leaders, and policy makers. The gathering celebrated innovation, excellence, and the burgeoning economic ties that characterize the relationship between these two nations.

Networking and Keynote Address

The event commenced with an engaging networking session followed by a keynote from Musabeh Al Musafri, who is the Director of Customer Experience and Service Delivery at Ajman Free Zone. In his address, Musabeh emphasized the UAE’s unwavering dedication to nurturing entrepreneurship and investment while promoting global business growth. This message set the tone for a day filled with insightful discussions and collaborative opportunities that highlight the UAE’s strategic role as a business hub.

Panel Discussions Highlighting India’s Economic Strengths

The first panel discussion, titled “India’s Global Decade: The New Growth Story,” delved into India’s rising influence in international commerce and investment. Renowned speakers such as Sidharth Chowdhry from Dalcore, Mark Thompson from Gulf News, and Dhanush Srinivas from Nandhini Deluxe provided valuable insights. Dr. Dattatreya Nagireddy of Jey Group underscored that international investors are increasingly recognizing India’s potential, specifically within Tier-2 and Tier-3 markets. He pointed out how Indian government initiatives like GIFT City are crucial in attracting global capital, demonstrating India’s readiness to be a central player in the global economy.

A subsequent fireside chat with Zubair Ul Islam, Director of Sales at Ajman Free Zone, discussed how free zones facilitate seamless business expansion into both regional and international markets. This conversation was followed by a session on luxury real estate trends led by industry experts Harry Sachdeva and Arshdeep Singh Brar, whose insights revealed how investments in second homes are reshaping lifestyle and wealth creation in vibrant destinations like Goa.

The Road to Sustainable Business Growth

The second panel discussion, “The Scale-Up Playbook: Capital, Technology & Strategy for India’s Growth Companies,” centered around the essential components that drive sustainable business expansion. Notable figures such as Zubair Ul Islam, Vikas Kumar Mathur of Infinity Engineering, and Imtiyaz Kalsekar from Rasasi contributed their expertise on innovation, technology adoption, and strategic planning for scaling businesses in a competitive market landscape. Sharat Kumar Sahu of Stalwart Projects Pvt. Ltd. added depth by discussing infrastructure-led growth and its transformative impact on business operations.

The final panel explored the path from startup to global business, featuring insights from entrepreneurs like Sudhir Syal and Ashutosh Upadhayay. This discussion focused on key topics such as fundraising, international expansion, and the evolving startup ecosystem that’s driving the next generation of global enterprises.

A Celebration of Excellence

The evening concluded with the ET Indo Global Leaders Felicitation Ceremony, a moment dedicated to honoring exceptional entrepreneurs and leaders for their contributions to innovation and business excellence. The event recognized various awardees, including leaders from diverse sectors, reflecting the rich tapestry of talent and commitment driving India’s and the UAE’s economic landscapes.

As India further cements its role on the global stage, the ET Indo Global Leaders 2026 event reinforced its importance as a platform for celebrating accomplishments and fostering connections among leaders working towards a brighter business future across borders.