
UAE investors eye opportunities in India's rapidly growing sectors
Several promising Indian sectors present strategic opportunities for UAE investors amid increasing economic cooperation between the two nations.
India is home to Asia's second-largest new car market after China, with annual unit sales posting a strong recovery over the past three years. The segment is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.3 percent, with annual sales approaching 5.2 million units during 2024-29.
Electric vehicles sales are projected to increase at a CAGR of 16 percent between 2024-29, but will account for only 4 percent of total new-car sales
by 2029.
With its large population, India is a substantial consumer market and a key attraction for retailers and luxury brands. Private consumption accounts for 57.5 percent of GDP, making the retail sector a key pillar of employment and economic growth.
The report highlights that retail and e-commerce expansion is shifting beyond major urban centres to smaller cities, where rising purchasing power and high smartphone penetration are unlocking new growth opportunities.
India's financial services sector has shown a strong recovery in recent years, with banks recording three consecutive years of record profits (2021–23). This positive momentum is expected to continue, with non-performing loans (NPLs) steadily declining.
Profitability is likely to rise further between 2025 and 2029, supported by robust growth in retail banking lending.
India's insurance market is set for strong growth, driven by an expanding middle class, innovation, and regulatory support. Total insurance premiums are forecast to increase by 7.1 percent in real terms from 2025–29, positioning India as the fastest-growing insurance market among G20 countries.
The report highlights that the financial technology (fintech) sector is continuing to disrupt traditional financial services, emerging as a key channel for credit,
insurance, and investment products.
India currently hosts the world's third-largest fintech ecosystem by number of operating entities, with a fintech adoption rate of 87 percent. This is significantly higher than the global average of 67 percent.
Total healthcare spending in India is projected to grow at a 9 percent CAGR between 2025 and 2029, driven by increased government spending and greater adoption of private health insurance. India is a prominent digital healthcare market, witnessing public-private partnerships in areas such as artificial intelligence, telemedicine, and medical imaging.
Under its national infrastructure programme, India is currently undertaking over 13,000 projects valued at over $2.3 trillion, spanning roads, bridges, power plants, railways, and ports.
Infrastructure-specific programmes are also creating a significant impact, particularly the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP), which supports infrastructure project development. The NIP currently includes 13,214 projects with combined investments of $2.3 trillion.
According to BMI Infrastructure Key Projects Data, India holds large project pipelines in industrial construction, power, road, and rail infrastructure.
Industrial sectors are a high priority within these ongoing projects, creating opportunities for strategic partnerships with UAE technology and infrastructure companies.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Gulf Business
3 hours ago
- Gulf Business
Dubai's most wanted property features: Revealed by today's buyers
Image credit: Getty Images Dubai's real estate market is demonstrating powerful momentum in 2025, marked by high buyer intent, growing investor confidence, and evolving preferences among premium property seekers. A series of new data-driven reports from Read- From the mass market to the luxury segment, a shared thread is clear: buyers are more informed, more intentional, and more focused on long-term value than ever before. Majority of home seekers plan to buy soon, despite price caution Leading real estate platform Property Finder has launched PF Market Pulse, a bi-monthly sentiment tracker capturing real-time consumer insights from over 13,000 users actively browsing property listings in the UAE. The platform's first two survey cycles, conducted in May and June 2025, reveal sustained buying appetite: 72 per cent of respondents in May said they plan to purchase a home within six months, with 69 per cent holding that view in June, signalling consistent demand despite broader market shifts. However, expectations around pricing are beginning to shift. While 34 per cent of buyers in May expected prices to rise, this dipped to 30 per cent in June, with 44 per cent now anticipating a price drop, a marked increase from 37 per cent the month prior. This shift reflects growing buyer sentiment that recent price surges may be cooling. 'The results not only highlight a resilient appetite for home ownership in the UAE,' said Sevgi Gur, Chief Marketing Officer at Property Finder, 'but also reflect a more informed, confident buyer that's increasingly responsive to market signals.' With PF Market Pulse, Property Finder aims to give stakeholders, from developers to end-users, timely access to evolving trends, bolstering its role as a thought leader and insight provider in the MENA real estate ecosystem. Premium buyers prioritise design, flexibility, and value Insights from the premium end of the market echo similar themes of discernment and intentionality. International developer MERED, known for its design-driven residential offerings, recently shared findings from its latest customer engagement at ICONIC Residences – Design by Pininfarina. The report, compiled from high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) engaged in the first half of 2025, paints a detailed picture of today's premium buyer: 65 per cent prioritise privacy and exclusivity 60 per cent value architectural quality 55 per cent rank location and connectivity as key 50 per cent seek strong long-term investment potential 45 per cent demand lifestyle-driven amenities According to MERED, one- and two-bedroom layouts remain in highest demand, particularly for their flexibility and appeal to both short-term rental investors and self-users. Ownership intent is increasingly diverse: 45 per cent buy for personal use, 30 per cent for investment, and 25 per cent choose a hybrid model. 'Today's generation of investors is sophisticated and discerning, expecting timeless architecture, wellness integration, and a genuine sense of community,' said Michael Belton, CEO of MERED. 'At MERED, we see this as an opportunity to set a new benchmark with projects that speak to ambition, identity, and the way people want to live and invest in their future.' Younger, tech-savvy buyers enter the market The buyer profile is also evolving. While professionals aged 40–50 from fields like finance, law, and healthcare remain dominant, MERED reports a growing presence of younger buyers from tech, digital finance, and crypto backgrounds. These demographic favours branded residences, smart layouts, and properties that offer mobility, functionality, and income-generating potential. Many view real estate not just as a stable asset class, but as a flexible extension of lifestyle. In response, developers are integrating features like medical-grade air filtration, ultra-purified water systems, wellness spaces, and outdoor terraces, features that align with a desire for both luxury and quality of life. Over 85 per cent of premium buyers ask about amenities in early conversations, indicating that community features and environmental quality are now seen as core, not complementary. Demand remains strong across all segments Complementing both Property Finder and MERED's findings, April 2025 transaction data released by Betterhomes reveals that Dubai's overall property market remains robust. The city recorded 15,213 property sales transactions worth Dhs46.18bn in April, a 23.1 per cent month-over-month increase. This growth was fuelled primarily by off-plan sales, which made up 59 per cent of transactions, while the resale market also gained ground, rising to 41 per cent from 38 per cent the previous month. Apartments led transaction volume, especially studios and one-bedrooms, which accounted for more than two-thirds of sales. Villas and townhouses also maintained strength, particularly among families seeking larger homes and community-centric living. Top-performing communities included: Apartments: Motor City, Dubai Marina, Dubai Land Villas/Townhouses: Dubai Hills Estate, Al Furjan, Jumeirah Golf Estates 'It's not just about the big numbers; it's about consistent demand across a wide range of communities and property types,' said Christopher Cina, Director of Sales at Betterhomes. 'Communities like Dubai Hills Estate and Motor City are seeing real traction, which tells us people aren't just buying for investment. They're buying to live, to grow, and to stay.' Rental market sees sustained interest On the leasing side, Dubai recorded 29,423 rental transactions in April. While this figure marked a 23 per cent dip from March, tenant interest remained strong, supported by a 1.2 per cent rise in leads at Betterhomes, suggesting that while fewer contracts were finalized, overall demand has not diminished. Rental prices continued their upward trend: Apartments averaged Dhs140,000/year Villas hit Dhs296,000/year Townhouses held firm at Dhs226,800/year Communities like Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT), and Dubai Land led apartment leasing activity, while Tilal Al Ghaf, Dubai Hills Estate, and Jumeirah Village Triangle attracted families seeking larger spaces. Informed, strategic buyers now drive the market The convergence of insights from Property Finder, MERED, and Betterhomes paints a picture of a real estate landscape defined by intention, personalisation, and evolution. Buyers are acting, not speculating: Despite shifting price expectations, most prospective buyers still plan to purchase within six months. Design and liveability matter: Whether mass-market or luxury, buyers value design, location, and quality over flashy features. Investment remains key: Even in lifestyle-led segments, the potential for capital appreciation is a driving force. The market is maturing: From wellness integration to branded residences, Dubai's developers are meeting buyer expectations with increasingly sophisticated offerings. As Dubai cements its global status as a hub for real estate innovation, investment, and lifestyle, these insights serve as both a mirror of current sentiment and a guidepost for what's next. Key takeaways 72 per cent of UAE users on Property Finder intend to buy property within six months. Price expectations are cooling: 44 per cent now anticipate a drop. Dubai property sales rose 23 per cent in April, totalling Dhs46.18bn across over 15,000 transactions. Off-plan remains dominant, but resale market is growing. Premium buyers prioritise privacy (65 per cent) and architectural quality (60 per cent). Younger buyers from tech and crypto are entering the luxury market. Villas and townhouses see strong rental interest; average villa rent now Dhs296,000/year.


Khaleej Times
8 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Stablecoin regulations encourage more users explore digital assets safely
Experts are optimistic the recent signing by US President Donald Trump of the Genius Act — creating a regulatory regime for dollar-pegged cryptocurrencies known as stablecoins — will not only give users the confidence to explore digital assets safely but will also draw more users in the UAE, especially newcomers, to crypto by making stablecoins safer and more mainstream for payments and decentralised finance (DeFi). The stablecoin market, which crypto data provider CoinGecko said is valued at more than $260 billion (Dh954 billion), could grow to $2 trillion (Dh7.3 trillion) by 2028 under the new law. It's a milestone that could pave the way for digital assets to become an everyday way to make payments and move money, experts told KT LUXE. The regulatory framework is also seen as a big leap from the time of 'speculative chaos' when stablecoin first came into being back in 2009. The UAE has also moved forward with regulations of AED stablecoins, noted Meera Judge, director, regulatory licensing and policy at Binance. 'When people feel safe, they're more likely to participate. Clear rules create room for innovation — and that's where we see real adoption start to take shape,' she said. Regulations serve as important guardrails, with enhanced transparency serving as the key factor in consumer protection. They build confidence and encourage people who might have been hesitant to explore crypto as a real option for diversifying their finances. In December last year, AE Coin secured the final Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) licence it needed to launch. It was developed under the CBUAE's digital payment token services framework for instant, secure, stable, innovative, low-cost, and efficient payment experience. 'The UAE's AED-backed stablecoin is a really exciting milestone. It shows how seriously the UAE is taking decentralised finance and its future role in global financial innovation. This isn't just about creating another stablecoin, it's a clear signal of the UAE's commitment to building a regulated, forward-thinking crypto ecosystem that can compete on the world stage,' Judge said. A constant Stablecoins are designed to maintain a constant value. For the UAE, its focus on a local fiat-backed stablecoin also reflects a regional ambition to diversify beyond the dominance of the USD stablecoins, which have long been the industry's gateway. This is very positive for the country as it is not only about necessity but also about creating opportunity. Judge explained: 'Local fiat stablecoins (like AE Coin) reinforce the seriousness with which countries are approaching crypto regulation and innovation. They help tailor financial tools to regional needs, supporting local businesses and consumers while promoting financial inclusion. 'Moreover, having a wider range of fiat-backed stablecoins contributes to a more diverse and resilient ecosystem, a key step toward making crypto relevant and accessible to people everywhere, not just in dollar-dominated markets,' Judge added. Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget, shared the same analysis, and optimism that stablecoins will draw more users, especially newcomers. She told KT LUXE: 'The UAE's AED stablecoin regulations, effective June 2025, focus on local currency stability and centralised oversight by the Central Bank, while the US Genius Act targets USD-pegged stablecoins with a dual federal-state framework. Regional trade 'Both aim to enhance trust and adoption, but the UAE emphasises regional financial sovereignty, unlike the USD-centric US approach. Non-USD stablecoins like AED-backed tokens are crucial for regional trade, reducing USD reliance, and catering to local markets, driving global crypto diversity. Supporting AED stablecoins can attract MENA users, while USD stablecoin compliance ensures broader market access,' Chen explained. She added bank-backed USD and AED stablecoins promise faster, cheaper transactions, boosting liquidity, but may challenge existing tokens like USDT (Tether), increasing compliance costs for exchanges. 'This could lead to market concentration, potentially limiting innovation, while subjecting exchanges to stricter regulatory scrutiny.' Chen also pointed out the entry of major US banks (JPMorgan, Bank of America, Citigroup, Wells Fargo) and UAE banks (FAB, MBank, Zand Bank) into the stablecoin market will enhance crypto legitimacy, driving adoption and trading volumes on exchanges.

Zawya
16 hours ago
- Zawya
Egypt: Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation Discusses Developments in Joint Economic Relations with Norwegian Minister of International Development and Dutch Deputy Minister of Development
H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, met with H.E. Mr. Åsmund Aukrust, Minister of International Development of the Kingdom of Norway. The two sides reviewed ways to strengthen cooperation opportunities between the two countries and discussed a number of joint issues. This meeting took place during her representation of the Arab Republic of Egypt at the Fourth G20 Development Working Group (DWG) Meeting and the G20 Ministerial Meeting on Development. These meetings are being held under South Africa's G20 presidency from July 20 to 25, 2025, under the theme "Solidarity, Sustainability and Equality" in South Africa. During the meeting, H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat lauded the Egyptian-Norwegian relations, and noted that the two countries have strengthened and deepened bilateral ties across various sectors, including renewable energy and regional stability efforts. H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat highlighted that the extended partnership between the governments of Egypt and Norway has been essential in boosting the economy, developing the renewable energy sector, and creating better opportunities for the Egyptian economy. H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat emphasized Egypt's commitment, with its expanding economy and attractive investment climate, to attracting new foreign partnerships and investments that can drive innovation, economic growth, and sustainable development. H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat pointed to the most prominent areas of cooperation with the Norwegian side, which include the oil, energy, gas, maritime transport, shipping, and shipbuilding sectors, in addition to fisheries and aquaculture. She noted that Egypt is keen to expand these areas of cooperation, and highlighted that the Egyptian-Norwegian partnership in promoting investments in the renewable energy sector was a central focus of H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi's historic visit to the Kingdom of Norway in December 2024. H.E. Minister Al-Mashat added that the shared goals and mutual respect characterizing the bilateral relations between Egypt and Norway represent a model for international cooperation that will be built upon in the coming years. She further stated that Norway's commitment to sustainability and international cooperation aligns with Egypt's Vision 2030 and green transformation goals. H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat pointed out that the cooperation between the two countries in green hydrogen and renewable energy, which includes several prominent projects. These include a green ammonia production project from green hydrogen, a green methanol production project in the Suez Canal Economic Zone, in addition to a number of funded projects in various fields. These contribute to creating decent job opportunities for youth in cooperation with the International Labour Organization and the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and promoting health and combating violence against women in Egypt in cooperation with the United Nations Population Fund. H.E. Minister Al-Mashat affirmed Egypt's keenness to involve the private sector, especially in strategic sectors such as renewable energy, green hydrogen, maritime industries, and technology. She noted that the country provides a stable investment climate, competitive incentives, and access to key regional markets, making it an ideal gateway for Norwegian and other international companies seeking to expand into the Middle East and Africa. She also referred to the cooperation between Egypt and Scatec, and mentioned that Egypt and Norway have historically strong economic ties, which have translated into tangible projects benefiting both economies. H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat outlined that the new partnerships with Scatec enhance active cooperation between the public and private sectors and development partners, aiming to promote green transformation. She noted Scatec's contribution to the implementation of the Benban Solar Park, one of the largest solar parks in the world, and the first green hydrogen plant in the Suez Canal Economic Zone, in cooperation with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and other partners. H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat also pointed to the efforts of the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation in continuing to support international partnerships and mobilize local and international financing to promote green transformation in Egypt and increase the number of environmentally friendly projects. She pointed out that the cooperation portfolio with Scatec includes a number of projects under the energy sector of the "NWFE" program, including the green hydrogen project in Egypt, the green ammonia production project in Damietta, the 1 GW solar power project with battery energy storage solutions (BESS), and a 1 GW solar power plant for the aluminum complex in Naga Hammadi. Egyptian-Dutch Relations On another note, H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat met with H.E. Ms. Pascalle Grotenhuis, Netherlands' Vice Minister for International Development, to discuss strengthening Egyptian-Dutch relations and developments in the partnership between the two countries. During the meeting, Dr. Rania Al-Mashat affirmed that Egypt and the Netherlands have deep-rooted political, cultural, and economic relations spanning several decades. These relations have witnessed significant momentum and growing cooperation at various levels in recent years. H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat noted that the economic cooperation between the two countries has been an important axis in bilateral relations, with the Netherlands providing over 407 million Euros in development financing to Egypt since 1975. This assistance has contributed to supporting many vital sectors, including agriculture and irrigation, health and social affairs, transport, electricity, housing, tourism, education, and local development. She stated that the Netherlands is one of Egypt's main trading partners within the European continent, with bilateral trade amounting to approximately one billion Euros annually. Both sides aim to expand this cooperation and diversify its areas, especially given the available opportunities for economic integration between the two countries. H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat highlighted the "Orange Corners" program, implemented in cooperation with the Dutch side and the private sector, to support entrepreneurs in the Nile Delta and Upper Egypt governorates. After the success of the first three-year phase, the program is now in a new cycle extending from 2024 to 2028, reflecting the shared interest of both countries in achieving inclusive economic growth and providing job opportunities for youth. The two sides also reviewed developments in cooperation in the fields of water and climate following the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Egyptian and Dutch governments in October 2024, to enhance cooperation in coastal resource management and adaptation to climate change. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation - Egypt.