Introduction
The bilateral relationship between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been ascendant over the last decade, and today, the UAE is India’s third largest trading partner.[1] Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic state visit to the UAE in 2015—the first by an Indian prime minister in 34 years—was followed by six more visits between 2018 and 2024. These have been reciprocated by the UAE’s political leadership, with President Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan making a state visit to India in 2017, during which the bilateral was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and a series of other high-level visits and exchanges.
The Joint Vision Statement released by PM Modi and Mohamed Bin Zayed in 2022 underscored, among other issues, how technology would drive the India-UAE partnership.[2] Increased investments in cleantech and the production of green hydrogen were among the action areas that were identified. Others included the need to promote startups in both nations and to “collaborate on critical technologies”. “Defence and security” was another domain highlighted for cooperation; the two countries have since ramped up their defence industrial partnerships and joint R&D initiatives.[3] The progress achieved in these areas was lauded by both sides during the India-UAE Joint Commission Meeting held in New Delhi in December 2024.[4]
Even as the India-UAE tech partnership continues to deepen, the congruence between certain objectives and priorities of the United States (US) and those of India and the UAE signal the emergence of a new tech troika.
Since 2022, the three nations have worked together on various aspects of tech and clean energy under the framework of the I2U2—a strategic partnership between India, Israel, the UAE, and the US.[5] In September 2024, then US President Joe Biden designated the UAE as a Major Defense Partner of the US—a status previously enjoyed only by India. This is expected to increase tech-led trilateral cooperation between the three countries.[6] India and the UAE are collaborating in the clean energy space. Similarly, since 2022, the US and UAE have been working to deploy clean energy and advance energy transition under their US$100-billion Partnership for Accelerating Clean Energy (PACE).[7] Finally, a number of activities being implemented under the US-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) are also the subject of India-UAE collaboration and the incipient US-UAE cooperation on Artificial Intelligence (AI).[8] These developments create multiple possibilities for strengthening the India-UAE-US relationship.
Within the UAE, much of the innovation in these areas and others is driven by the rise of Abu Dhabi and Dubai as global tech hubs. Broadly, the two cities offer complementary strengths and strategies. Abu Dhabi’s approach is characterised by long-term investments in high-impact, research-driven initiatives. Institutions like the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) and the Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) highlight the city’s focus on deep technology, including AI, quantum computing, and robotics. Its partnerships, too, such as those with the local tech group G42 and the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), emphasise AI research, deep tech, and autonomous systems, making the city a leader in niche and advanced tech sectors.
Dubai’s strategy, meanwhile, has maintained greater focus on creating an enabling ecosystem for startups, entrepreneurs, investors, and global tech firms. Free zones such as Dubai Internet City and Silicon Oasis are exemplary infrastructure projects. Moreover, initiatives like the Dubai Digital Strategy, Dubai AI Strategy, Dubai Blockchain Strategy, and Smart Dubai 2021 have positioned the city as a pioneer in smart city solutions and digital governance.
Against this backdrop, this report explores the growth of the India-UAE partnership in the areas of defence technology, greentech, and deep tech, with a focus on Abu Dhabi as an engine of change. It examines future directions for the tech bilateral and reflects on the importance of the emerging India-UAE-US trilateral partnership for the Global South.
The Cascade Effect
The UAE began embracing emerging technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the creation of the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC). The objective was to establish a “vibrant research and development ecosystem that positions Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE as a key technology player on the world stage”[9] and to support the country’s transformation into a knowledge-based economy. Later that year, ATRC set up the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), its dedicated applied-research pillar, tasked with delivering discovery science and breakthrough technologies that have a global impact. Since then, it has been working on a range of technologies that have various applications for society, business, and governance.[10]
| · Advanced materials |
· Quantum |
| · Directed energy |
· Biotechnology |
| · AI and digital science |
· Renewable and sustainable energy |
| · Propulsion and space |
· Cryptography |
| · Autonomous robotics |
· Secure systems |
With support from the Abu Dhabi government, TII has since set up several centres of excellence with world-class facilities for each of the technologies mentioned above. These interventions and others in the UAE have helped build a thriving ecosystem of innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, tech firms, and academics. The interventions of this stakeholder group are having a cascading effect, helping power not just domestic growth but also the UAE’s international tech partnerships.
Defence Technologies
The UAE’s focus on defence technology has led to closer cooperation with India. The Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) has signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) on Defence Industry Cooperation with the Emirates Defence Companies Council (EDCC) and EDGE Group UAE.[11] The collaboration brings together defence companies from both countries for the joint development of unmanned systems, the co-production of next-generation platforms, and the exploration of critical minerals in third countries.[12]
These measures build on historical cooperation between the UAE and India. A Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) was set up between the two countries in 2006, and the 12th meeting of the JDCC was held in 2024 in Abu Dhabi.[a]
The air forces and navies of both nations have also continued to cooperate. The Indian Air Force (IAF) participated in a bilateral exercise with its UAE counterparts in May 2016, and UAE Air Force officers joined as observers in a Trilateral Air Exercise held in March 2018.[13] Similarly, two Indian Navy (IN) ships participated in the maiden IN-UAEN Bilateral Exercise in March 2018, named Gulf Star 1. The IN and Coast Guard have also made several port calls to Abu Dhabi and Dubai and undertaken associated Passing Exercises (PASSEX).[14] Ships of the IN have also been participating regularly in the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) and Naval Defence and Maritime Security Exhibition (NAVDEX), held in Abu Dhabi biennially.[15]
Domestically, the UAE has prioritised advanced technologies for defence security, evolving beyond traditional hardware to include space technologies, quantum computing, and cybersecurity. This forward-thinking approach emphasises the need for innovative tools for robust defence capabilities.
In November 2024, ATRC’s commercialisation arm, VentureOne, launched QuantumGate—a venture offering advanced data security products to safeguard organisational data in the quantum era.[16] It also introduced SteerAI, an AI-powered mobility system that transforms standard industrial vehicles into autonomous units with civilian and defence applications.[17]
The Abu Dhabi-based EDGE Group has partnered with Spain’s Indra Sistema to manufacture advanced radar systems. EDGE’s Managing Director Hamad Al Marar highlighted the strategic vision to establish the UAE as a global hub for radar innovation by enhancing air, land, and maritime defence technologies while boosting domestic industrial capacities and fostering self-reliance.[18] Moreover, Emirates Defense Technology (EDT), which has been providing security solutions since 1996, continues to innovate through partnerships and ventures to deliver military and defence technologies to global clients.[19] Meanwhile, Tawazun Council, alongside Naval Group and Marakeb Technologies, has signed a Joint Development Agreement to create the National Combat Management System (NCMS). This initiative aims to equip the UAE Navy with an integrated, sovereign CMS for new and retrofit naval fleets.[20]
A report by Military Sphere highlights the UAE’s substantial defence budget, which supports investments in research, development, and innovation.[21] This financial backing underscores the government’s commitment to self-reliance in defence manufacturing and fostering international collaborations. The UAE is rapidly integrating cutting-edge technologies such as cyberwarfare systems, unmanned vehicles, and AI into its defence arsenal. Its focus also includes advanced military aircraft, such as fighter jets and drones, which are equipped with sophisticated sensors and communication systems. These advancements enhance the nation’s deterrence capabilities and strengthen its strategic position in the region.[22] In sum, the UAE’s proactive investments in tech-driven defense initiatives position it as a leader in modern defence systems and a global innovator in military technologies.
Green Technologies
The India-UAE partnership on greentech and cleantech emphasises renewable energy production, innovation, and solutions development, positioning the two countries as leaders of the global shift towards clean energy sources. In October 2021, the UAE pledged to allocate US$75 billion in sovereign funds to India to help promote clean energy.[23] In January 2023, within months of articulating a joint vision on clean energy, India and the UAE signed a landmark agreement on green hydrogen development and investments,[24] where projects could result in India’s renewable energy capacity increasing by 60 gigawatts.[25]
Other initiatives are underway. The two countries, along with several others, are in talks to explore the possibility of connecting their electricity grids to transfer renewable energy across borders and thus work towards energy sustainability.[26] Under the framework of the I2U2, India and the UAE are jointly advancing a hybrid renewable energy project in the Indian state of Gujarat. The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority has invested in private Indian green energy firms to scale solar and wind projects. Additionally, Masdar, a UAE-based clean energy company, has announced various joint ventures in India to build solar energy projects and accelerate greentech adoption.
Abu Dhabi has emerged as a clean energy champion, and its interventions are proving integral to the execution of the UAE Energy Strategy 2050. The city has developed a plan for creating a new model of energy sustainability, under which clean energy is expected to contribute to 30 percent of the city’s energy mix by 2030, by which time 50,000 new green jobs are expected to be generated and energy-efficient technologies developed and used systematically.[27] The city’s partnership with the French-headquartered International Energy Agency is also helping advance low-emission technologies and energy policy actions in Abu Dhabi and globally.[28]
Importantly, the city is leveraging its thriving tech ecosystem, called Hub71, to develop decarbonisation technologies. For instance, in April 2024, Hub71 announced its first ever dedicated programme in this regard, and around 20 of Hub71’s 220-odd startups are currently building solutions focused on climate technology and sustainability.[29] This number is expected to grow as Hub71’s tech-for-decarbonisation initiative attracts newer cohorts of startups. The production of low-carbon hydrogen, in particular, is becoming a priority for industry and enterprise, and Abu Dhabi has channelled billions of dollars into carbon-reduction tech and support for renewable energy projects.[30]
Deep Tech
In the UAE, Dubai has historically focused on the financial sector and helped the UAE become a global financial hub. Over the last few decades, it has established itself as a global centre for international enterprises, and the establishment of the Dubai International Finance Centre (DIFC), focusing on fintech and innovation, was a milestone in this journey.[31] AI has been another focus area, enhanced by the Dubai Universal Blueprint for Artificial Intelligence (DUB.AI) launched in May 2024.[32] The Dubai AI Campus offers dedicated co-working spaces to tech start-ups, including AI businesses, of which 75 businesses are already operating from the 10,000 sq. ft. phase one campus.[33] In phase two, the campus is expected to attract 500 companies and create 3,000 jobs by 2028. DIFC says it has introduced some of the world’s most innovative laws to aid confidence and market certainty in both fintech and digital asset classes.[34]
Just as Dubai has established itself as a global financial hub, Abu Dhabi is rapidly moving to become a global centre for deep tech.[b] The Abu Dhabi government is aggressively investing in deep tech through partnerships, collaborations, and greenfield initiatives. For instance, Abu Dhabi is building a quantum computer in collaboration with Barcelona-based Qilimanjaro Quantum Tech researchers.[35] Additionally, the government’s Quantum Research Centre claims to be developing next-generation quantum technologies such as quantum cryptography, quantum communications, and quantum sensing.[36]
Following the directions provided by the government, private entrepreneurs are helping create an enabling environment for deep tech innovations. DeepMinds, a new venture studio focused on the creation, assembly, and scaling of new deep-tech ventures in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), was launched in 2023. Based in the Abu Dhabi Global Market, it is also planning a deep tech fund.[37] The Masdar City Free Zone is another example of Abu Dhabi’s focus on deep tech. According to the government, Masdar has become a hub for life sciences and biotechnology, supported by the region’s advanced R&D institutions, contract research organisations, and government-backed initiatives from the Abu Dhabi Department of Health and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office.[38]
A combination of efforts by the government and entrepreneurs will enable Abu Dhabi to become the definitive centre of deep tech in the region. The UAE can build on Abu Dhabi’s deep tech focus by collaborating with entrepreneurs and experts from like-minded countries, including India and the US. Indeed, strong synergies exist between the deep tech ecosystems of the UAE and India, and collaborations have already been operationalised around the application of several critical and emerging technologies as well as next-generation technologies.[39]
Building Open, Collaborative Tech Systems
Technological innovations cannot be agnostic of social impact and collaborative value systems. Historically, innovations that have survived—and thrived—are those that were able to crowdsource intelligence, such as the internet and cellphone systems, which embraced collaborative innovation.
The development of Linux as an open operating system in the 1990s, followed by the growth of the Android operating system, are strong arguments in favour of open tech systems. The inclusion of billions of consumers into the digital world would not have been possible without collaborative, open-tech systems. Citizens and consumers in legacy economies and growth economies have benefited from access to affordable data and internet services.
At the same time, closed tech systems are still prevalent in economies like China, where global companies have limited access. Some may argue that each country has a justifiable right to create a digital iron wall to protect its citizens. The argument builds on protecting the information of users from being misused. Arguments for data localisation are also finding favour with many sovereign governments.
The world needs open-technology systems, and the way ahead must involve finding a balance. Digital iron walls between countries will undermine innovation. The digital era necessitates a collaborative approach while also protecting the interests of individual economies.
The UAE, India, and the US have the opportunity to define the future of collaborative and open-tech systems. The US has historically been an open economy, with its technologies benefiting the world. India is an open economy, too, and its innovations through digital public infrastructure (DPI) are bridging the digital divide. DPI is also allowing new startups to work with the government to solve the development needs of the country. The UAE, with its position at the intersection of growth regions of the world, has embraced technology and piloted several new innovations, and Abu Dhabi can use the strength of its investments in deep tech to benefit the Global South.
With the advent of AI, the world is at another inflection point. Innovators, regulators, and civil society are confronted with the choice of creating open-source AI solutions or closed AI options.[c] European regulators have flagged concerns over privacy and data breaches by generative AI (GenAI) bots,[40] while companies like Meta are keen on open AI innovation.[41] Others like OpenAI, owned by Microsoft, are of the view that AI is too powerful to be kept open and that AI innovation without oversight may lead to the creation of algorithms that are difficult to control.[42]
It is at this point that the UAE, India, and the US can lead the way. They can jointly create open, collaborative systems for AI’s growth with light-touch regulations to protect against unintended negative consequences. Each of the three countries has a unique strength that can drive the future of open-tech systems and encourage innovation for the next phase of global growth. Silicon Valley’s tech giants, India’s unicorns combined, and Abu Dhabi’s regional clout can together ensure the success of open-tech systems.
Future Directions
The evolving India-UAE relationship offers fertile ground for expanded cooperation beyond defence, greentech, and deep tech. As the two countries strengthen their tech ties, the following five areas could emerge as important new bases for partnership.
- Space technology and satellite applications: The low-cost, high-precision space capabilities developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) could complement the UAE’s ambitious space programme, including its Mars mission and lunar rover projects. Building on existing bilateral space diplomacy efforts,[43] the two countries could explore the co-development of satellite-based systems for agriculture, disaster management, and urban planning to address mutual challenges and generate scalable global solutions. The UAE’s space-tech funding and India’s expertise in satellite manufacturing and launch services could make for productive synergies.
- Digital public infrastructure: The UAE has launched its national debit and credit card system, Jaywan, supported by licensed technology from the National Payments Corporation of India.[44] Even as the Jaywan system is mainstreamed, the two countries are working towards interlinking their national payment platforms—India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and the UAE’s AANI—to facilitate seamless cross-border transactions and remittance transfers.[45] The UPI is a core element of India’s DPI, and the UAE and India could explore leveraging the UPI and other DPIs, such as India’s national digital identity model, as tools for development cooperation with third countries.
- Smart agriculture and agritech: India and the UAE are jointly promoting food security and agriculture-linked livelihoods, advancing plans for a food corridor between the two countries with an initial investment of nearly US$200 billion.[46] They could also collaborate on AI-driven precision agriculture to revolutionise water-efficient farming, drawing on India’s agritech expertise and the UAE’s funding capabilities. Vertical farming and hydroponics technology could be explored to address the UAE’s arid climate and the needs of India’s growing urban population. Additionally, satellite imagery could help both countries monitor and analyse soil health in real time to strengthen food security.
- Healthtech and biotechnology: India and the UAE have expressed their commitment to collaborate on health and life sciences, particularly the use of biotechnology and the development of pharmaceuticals.[47] Indeed, India’s massive pharmaceutical development base and innovation capabilities in the medical device sector, paired with the UAE’s investments in biotech, could lead to breakthroughs in genome editing, vaccine development, and personalised medicine. The establishment of telemedicine platforms for cross-border healthcare delivery could improve access in underserved regions. Finally, the UAE’s advanced healthcare infrastructure could be an ideal testing ground for AI-based diagnostics and predictive healthcare tools developed in India.
- Cybersecurity and data protection: In 2016, India and the UAE signed an MoU on “technical cooperation in cyberspace and combating cybercrime”, which envisaged, among other activities, the joint promotion of cybersecurity; cooperation and training around fighting cybercrime; and the related exchange of best practices, policy approaches, and police applications.[48] Additional steps in this regard could include the joint development of cybersecurity solutions by leveraging India’s large tech talent pool and the UAE’s cyber-infrastructure; the development of secure systems for digital banking and fintech, given India’s leadership in the digital payments space and Dubai’s expertise with blockchain initiatives; and the establishment of evolved frameworks for data protection to ensure secure, private, and safe digital transactions.
Towards a New Tech Trilateral
India, the UAE, and the US have a unique opportunity to shape the next phase of technological collaboration. The countries already have various tech cooperation agreements among them.
The iCET, for example, involves several companies from both countries, spanning industry, academia, and government bodies.[d] Following his January 2024 visit to India, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said, “The fundamental premise of iCET is that, in an era of renewed geopolitical competition, the United States and India must collaborate on the development, diffusion, and protection of critical technologies—from artificial intelligence to biotechnology, and beyond.”[49]
The US and the UAE have a pact for cooperation on AI, set in place in September 2023.[e] The pillars of the agreement include advancing safe, secure, and trustworthy AI; aligning regulatory frameworks to strengthen innovation ecosystems; promoting ethical AI research and development; deepening cooperation in AI protection and cybersecurity; undertaking talent development and exchanges; promoting clean energy to support an AI-driven future; and deploying AI for sustainable development in developing countries.[50]
Similarly, India and the UAE have an agreement on advanced technologies.[f] The UAE is the seventh largest investor in India, with an estimated cumulative investment of US$19 billion made between April 2000 and June 2024.[51] As of 2023, India-UAE trade was valued at around US$85 billion.[52] The bilateral Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement signed by the two countries in 2022 could increase trade between India and the UAE to US$100 billion in the next five years.[53]
As technology becomes increasingly intertwined with national security, governments are becoming more proactive in overseeing and guiding technological advancements. This shift is driven by several factors:
- National security concerns: Emerging technologies like AI, the Internet of Things, drones, quantum computing, biotechnology, and gene technology have the potential to impact national security. Governments are wary of these technologies being used maliciously or falling into the wrong hands.
- Government oversight: Business technology initiatives have traditionally operated with minimal direct government involvement, except for restricted or dual-use technologies. However, as the stakes increase, governments are stepping in to ensure that these technologies are developed and used in a responsible manner.
- Collaboration among democracies: Like-minded democracies are increasingly collaborating on technology from a national security perspective. This collaboration is often driven by National Security Advisors (NSA) and Foreign Ministries, reflecting the strategic importance of these technologies.
- Fifth Industrial Revolution: In the Fifth Industrial Revolution, technology plays a crucial role in sustainability, business, and citizen safety. Governments have recognised that leading the way in technological innovation is essential for maintaining national security and global competitiveness.
These factors give rise to a complex dynamic wherein the balance between innovation, security, and international cooperation will shape the future of global relations.
India, the UAE, and the US already have the building blocks in place with their bilateral arrangements for technology cooperation. A new structure could be created to funnel the benefits of the bilaterals into a trilateral framework. US President Donald Trump is in a strong position to encourage and support the trilateral tech partnership, and deepening this relationship would support his resolve for collaboration between open tech systems. The three countries can then contribute their achievements to channel tech innovations collectively. This new framework could help provide a range of tech-based solutions to solve some of the challenges of the Global South.
Conclusion
The India-UAE tech partnership, grounded in mutual trust and shared aspirations, has become a lighthouse for contemporary technological collaboration. As the two nations deepen their cooperation in defence, greentech, deep tech, and other areas, they are not only addressing immediate priorities but also laying the groundwork for long-term innovation and sustainability. Abu Dhabi’s strategic investments in cutting-edge technologies and Dubai’s startup ecosystem exemplify the UAE’s forward-looking approach. This is complemented by India’s robust capabilities in DPI, renewable energy, and space technology.
However, this partnership transcends bilateral dynamics. The emerging trilateral relationship between India, the UAE, and the US could redefine global tech leadership. Each country has unique strengths: the UAE has regional influence and investment capacity, India has technological expertise and democratic innovation, and the US has legacy as a global tech pioneer. Together, they can build open, collaborative systems that prioritise ethical AI, sustainable energy, and equitable digital access, benefiting their own populations as well as the broader Global South.
As technology becomes central to national security and global competitiveness, this trilateral partnership could serve as a model for responsible innovation. By fostering regulatory alignment, advancing talent development, and leveraging their combined expertise, the three nations could usher in a new era of technological growth that is inclusive, sustainable, and secure. The India-UAE tech relationship, bolstered by the trilateral framework, is thus poised to have transformative impacts, setting benchmarks for international cooperation in the digital age.
Endnotes
[a] According to a government statement, “Both sides deliberated on the regional security situation, including maritime security, and underscored the need to enhance collaboration to tackle the security challenges. Exchanging visits in different domains to benefit from experience and knowledge of each other was also discussed. Mutual exchange of training opportunities in niche areas was also agreed upon.” See: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2031839
[b] ‘Deep tech’ may mean different things to different stakeholders. For instance, the UNDP describes ‘deep tech’ as “cutting-edge and often disruptive technologies that are built on profound scientific discoveries, engineering innovations, or advancements in research areas that have the potential to radically transform industries, economies, and lives.”[b] Examples include novel and evolving AI; quantum, photonic, and neuromorphic computing; advanced materials like superconductors, liquid crystals and nanocomposites; and biotechnology, including genome editing, synthetic biology, and enzyme engineering. See: https://www.undp.org/policy-centre/singapore/deep-tech-and-innovations
[c] According to tech writer Vangelis Moraitis, “Open source AI refers to systems where the code is freely accessible to the public. This transparency allows anyone to examine, modify, and contribute to the software, fostering collaboration and collective progress. Closed Source AI, on the other hand, keeps the code proprietary, only accessible to the developers or the company that created it. This restricts outside access or modification, giving the company full control over the software’s development. These differing levels of access and control define much of the current strategies within the tech industry.” See: https://theaitrack.com/open-source-vs-closed-source-ai/
[d] Leading US companies involved with iCET include ThayerMahan, General Atomics, Jeh Aerospace, Holtec, Cummins, Alsym Energy, and Axiom Space. Indian industry leaders included 3rdiTech, BHEL, Bharat Forge, Bharti Airtel, Bhukhanvala Industries, Centum Electronics, L&T, Tata Advanced Systems, Tata Power, and Tejas Network.
[e] According to the White House statement, “Building on the common vision of President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. and President H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to advance safe, secure, and trustworthy artificial intelligence (AI), U.S. Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs Jake Sullivan and UAE National Security Advisor H.H. Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan reaffirmed the shared intention of the US and the UAE to promote cooperation in AI and related technologies. This statement also signals our shared commitment to develop a government-to-government memorandum of understanding on AI between the U.S. and the UAE.” See: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/09/23/united-states-and-united-arab-emirates-cooperation-on-artificial-intelligence/
[f] According to a statement by the Indian government, “In the field of AI, the UAE and India will cooperate in the deployment of AI technologies in the space sector, energy, healthcare and supply chains. Both countries will work together to advance capabilities in machine learning and data analytics across priority sectors. Under the MoU, the UAE and India will also collaborate in the deployment of 4IR technologies in industry, real-time data processing, the development of machine-to-machine control systems, the development of autonomous robotics, equipment and vehicles, as well as the deployment of additive manufacturing in key industries.” See: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1964714#:~:text=
[1] Riyad Mathew, Ajish P Joy and Namrata Biji Ahuja, “This is the closes India and the UAE have ever been,” The Week, January 5, 2025.
[2] Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, Joint India-UAE Vision Statement (New Delhi: Ministry of External Affairs, 2022), https://www.mea.gov.in/bilateral-documents.htm?dtl/34877/
[3] “India and UAE: A strengthened defence partnership,” DD News, July 14, 2024, https://ddnews.gov.in/en/india-and-uae-a-strengthened-defence-partnership/#:~:text=
[4] Ministry of External Affairs, “4th India-UAE Strategic Dialogue and 15th India-UAE Joint Commission Meeting,” December 13, 2024, https://www.mea.gov.in/bilateral-documents.htm?dtl/38786/
[5] US Department of State, “I2U2: India, Israel, United Arab Emirates, United States,” https://www.state.gov/i2u2/
[6] Pia Krishnakutty, “US declares UAE ‘major defence partner’, paves way for trilateral exercises with India. What this means,” The Print, September 24, 2024, https://theprint.in/diplomacy/us-declares-uae-major-defence-partner-paves-way-for-trilateral-exercises-with-india-what-this-means/2281990/
[7] “Fact Sheet: US-UAE Partnership to Accelerate Transition to Clean Energy (PACE),” The White House, November 1, 2022, https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/11/01/fact-sheet-u-s-uae-partnership-to-accelerate-transition-to-clean-energy-pace/#
[8] “United States and United Arab Emirates Cooperation on Artificial Intelligence,” The White House, September 23, 2024, https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/09/23/united-states-and-united-arab-emirates-cooperation-on-artificial-intelligence/
[9] Advanced Technology Research Council, “Our Purpose,” https://www.atrc.gov.ae/about-atrc
[10] Technology Innovation Institute, “About TII,” https://www.tii.ae/about-us
[11] “SIDM signs two MoUs on defence industry cooperation with UAE partners,” DD News, September 18, 2024, https://ddnews.gov.in/en/sidm-signs-two-mous-on-defence-industry-cooperation-with-uae-partners/
[12] “SIDM signs two MoUs on defence industry cooperation with UAE partners”
[13] Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi, UAE, “India UAE Bilateral Defence Cooperation,” https://indembassyuae.gov.in/defence-relation.php
[14] Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi, UAE, “India UAE Bilateral Defence Cooperation”
[15] Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi, UAE, “India UAE Bilateral Defence Cooperation”
[16] “ATRC’s VentureOne launches QuantumGate to secure data for the quantum era at CyberQ,” Advanced Technology Research Council, November 13, 2024, https://www.atrc.gov.ae/news/atrcs-ventureone-launches-quantumgate-secure-data-quantum-era-cyberq
[17] “ATRC entity unveils SteerAI, new tech venture set to transform industrial vehicles into autonomous powerhouses,” Advanced Technology Research Council, November 4, 2024, https://www.atrc.gov.ae/news/atrc-entity-unveils-steerai-new-tech-venture-set-transform-industrial-vehicles-autonomous
[18] “EDGE, Indra formalize joint venture ‘PULSE’ to design, manufacture radars in Abu Dhabi,” Emirates News Agency, December 18, 2024, https://www.wam.ae/en/article/b6r5ri7-edge-indra-formalise-joint-venture-pulse-design
[19] Emirates Defence Technology, “About Emirates Defence Technology”
[20] “Tawazun Council seals strategic partnership for development of National Combat Management System for UAE Navy,” Tawazun Council, March 8, 2024, https://www.tawazun.gov.ae/tawazun-council-seals-strategic-partnership-for-development-of-national-combat-management-system-for-uae-navy/
[21] “Exploring the defence industry of the UAE: A comprehensive analysis,” Military Sphere, July 2, 2024, https://militarysphere.com/defense-industry-of-the-uae/
[22] “Exploring the defence industry of the UAE: A comprehensive analysis”
[23] UIBC and Nangia Andersen LLP, Modern Energy | Building Sustainable Resilience through Collaboration: India-UAE Partnership in Renewable Energy, 2024, https://uibc.org/Final/cms/upload/UIBC%20Report_.pdf
[24] “India, UAE reach agreement on green hydrogen development and undersea cable connectivity,” ANI, January 13, 2023, https://www.aninews.in/news/world/middle-east/india-uae-reach-agreement-on-green-hydrogen-development-and-under-sea-cable-connectivity20230113200007/
[25] UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, “UAE and India sign agreements for investment cooperation across multiple sectors,” January 10, 2024, https://www.mofa.gov.ae/en/missions/new-delhi/media-hub/embassy-news/uae-and-india-sign-agreements-for-investment-cooperation-across-multiple-sectors
[26] Saurav Anand, “India in talks with Gulf, Asia nations for cross-border power grid links under OSOWOG,” Economic Times, November 6, 2024, https://energy.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/power/india-in-talks-with-gulf-asia-nations-for-cross-border-power-grid-links-under-osowog/114998530#:~:text
[27] Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, “Clean Energy,” https://www.added.gov.ae/en/invest/growth-sectors/clean-energy#:~:text=
[28] “Abu Dhabi Department of Energy partners with International Energy Agency to advance renewable energy and low-emission technologies,” Abu Dhabi Media Office, December 14, 2023, https://www.mediaoffice.abudhabi/en/energy/doe-partners-with-international-energy-agency-to-advance-renewable-energy-efficiency-and-low-emission-technologies/
[29] Amy Gunia, “This oil capital wants to be a hub for climate tech,” CNN, July 25, 2024, https://edition.cnn.com/2024/07/25/tech/abu-dhabi-climate-tech-hnk-spc/index.html
[30] Gunia, “This oil capital wants to be a hub for climate tech”
[31] “Who we are | Dubai International Financial Centre,” DIFC, https://www.difc.ae/who-we-are
[32] The United Arab Emirates’ Government Portal, “Dubai Universal Blueprint for Artificial Intelligence,” https://u.ae/en/about-the-uae/strategies-initiatives-and-awards/strategies-plans-and-visions/government-services-and-digital-transformation/dubai-universal-blueprint-for-ai#:~:text=
[33] “Hamdan bin Mohammed inaugurates Dubai AI Campus cluster at the DIFC Innovation Hub,” DIFC, May 18, 2024, https://www.difc.ae/whats-on/news/hamdan-bin-mohammed-inaugurates-dubai-ai-campus-cluster-at-the-difc-innovation-hub
[34] “DIFC continues to drive the future of finance with outstanding H1 2024 results,” DIFC, July 30, 2024, https://www.difc.ae/whats-on/news/difc-continues-to-drive-the-future-of-finance-with-outstanding-h1-2024-results
[35] “In a first, UAE to build quantum computer,” Abu Dhabi Media Office, April 21, 2021, https://www.mediaoffice.abudhabi/en/technology/in-a-first-uae-to-build-quantum-computer/
[36] Technology Innovation Institute, “Quantum Research Centre,” https://www.tii.ae/quantum
[37] Carrington Malin, “DeepMinds to build deep tech clusters,” Middle East AI News, October 24, 2023, https://www.middleeastainews.com/p/deepminds-to-build-mena-deep-tech-clusters
[38] “Join Abu Dhabi’s fastest growing life sciences and biotechnology cluster at Masdar City Free Zone,” Masdar City, https://masdarcity.ae/tech-and-innovation/life-sciences
[39] Prateek Tripathi and Sameer Patil, Uncharted Territories: The Promise of Deep Tech for India and UAE, Observer Research Foundation, August 2024, https://www.orfonline.org/research/uncharted-territories-the-promise-of-deep-tech-for-india-and-uae
[40] Natasha Lomas, “Google’s GenAI facing privacy risk assessment scrutiny in Europe,” TechCrunch, September 12, 2024, https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/12/googles-genai-facing-privacy-risk-assessment-scrutiny-in-europe/
[41] “Meta challenges OpenAI and Google with open-source AI,” Industry Week, July 19, 2023, https://www.industryweek.com/technology-and-iiot/emerging-technologies/article/21269825/meta-challenges-openai-and-google-with-open-source-ai
[42] Adam Clark, “Microsoft and Google want to dominate the AI economy. Open-source models are a threat,” Barron’s, July 19, 2023, https://www.barrons.com/articles/microsoft-google-alphabet-ibm-meta-ai-stock-256bd9b0
[43] Department of Space, Government of India, https://pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1880804#:~:text=
[44] Mintu Jacob, “Friends indeed: The relationship between India and the UAE is a testament to the power of diplomacy, trade, and people-to-people contact,” The Week, January 5, 2025
[45] “India and UAE to interlink payment systems for smooth cross-border transactions,” DD News, October 8, 2024, https://ddnews.gov.in/en/india-and-uae-to-interlink-payment-systems-for-smooth-cross-border-transactions/
[46] Jaden Matthew Paul, “India, UAE to set up food corridor with $2 billion initial funding,” Business Standard, October 7, 2024, https://www.business-standard.com/industry/news/india-uae-targets-food-corridor-with-2-billion-initial-investment-124100700975_1.html
[47] Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1964714#:~:text=
[48] Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, Memorandum of Understanding on Technical Cooperation in Cyberspace and Combating Cybercrime between the Ministry of Home Affairs of the Republic of India and the Ministry of Interior of the United Arab Emirates (New Delhi: Ministry of External Affairs, 2016), https://www.mea.gov.in/Portal/LegalTreatiesDoc/AR16B2451.pdf
[49] “Remarks of National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan a new frontier for the US-India partnership,” The White House, January 6, 2025, https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2025/01/06/remarks-of-national-security-advisor-jake-sullivan-a-new-frontier-for-the-u-s-india-partnership/
[50] “United States and United Arab Emirates Cooperation on Artificial Intelligence,” The White House, September 23, 2024, https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/09/23/united-states-and-united-arab-emirates-cooperation-on-artificial-intelligence/
[51] Ministry of Finance, Government of India, https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2062692#:~:text=
[52] Ministry of External Affairs, India-UAE bilateral relations (New Delhi: Ministry of External Affairs, 2024), https://www.mea.gov.in/Portal/ForeignRelation/India_UAE2024n.pdf
[53] “Cabinet approves MoU between India and UAE on cooperation in the field of industries and advanced technologies,” PM India, June 8, 2022, https://www.pmindia.gov.in/en/news_updates/cabinet-approves-mou-between-india-and-united-arab-emirates-uae-on-cooperation-in-the-field-of-industries-and-advanced-technologies/
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