RAKEZ Partners With CEPA Council To Boost Indian Start-Ups

Post by : Mumtaaz Qadiri

Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) and the UAE–India CEPA Council have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to work together on the UAE–India Start-up Series. This partnership aims to support Indian start-ups that have high potential to grow internationally. By joining forces, RAKEZ and the CEPA Council are creating new opportunities for Indian entrepreneurs to expand their businesses into the UAE market.

MoU Signing Details

The MoU was signed by Yaser Abdulla Al Ahmed, Chief Government and Corporate Relations Officer at RAKEZ, and Ahmed Aljneibi, Director of the CEPA Council. The agreement will guide joint efforts to promote Indian start-ups globally and help them access the UAE market smoothly. The MoU focuses not just on entry into the market but also on building a supportive ecosystem that allows these businesses to thrive and contribute to stronger economic ties between India and the UAE.

RAKEZ’s Role In The Partnership

Yaser Abdulla Al Ahmed highlighted the importance of this collaboration. He said that the partnership is a strategic step to align economic policy with entrepreneurial opportunity. RAKEZ aims to create easy access for Indian start-ups to operate in the UAE while offering resources and guidance to ensure their success. This includes helping them establish themselves in the UAE, providing mentorship, and connecting them with key industry players.

The UAE–India Start-Up Series

Through this partnership, RAKEZ and the CEPA Council will deliver the UAE–India Start-up Series. This initiative is designed to identify promising Indian ventures and help them go global. The process involves evaluating many start-ups, shortlisting the top 20, and inviting them to participate in a high-profile pitch event in New Delhi. From these 20, five winning start-ups will be selected to receive incubation support and access to the UAE market.

CEPA Council’s Statement

Ahmed Aljneibi expressed excitement about the collaboration. He mentioned that over 10,000 Indian start-ups had already shown interest in the UAE–India Start-up Series. This huge response reflects the energy of India’s entrepreneurial community and highlights the UAE’s role as a global launchpad for innovation. He said that the partnership with RAKEZ is about more than just signing an MoU; it is about creating real opportunities for start-ups to scale globally and strengthen the UAE–India economic corridor.

RAKEZ’s Support For Winning Start-Ups

As part of the initiative, RAKEZ has committed to supporting one of the top five winning start-ups by providing a complete soft-landing package in the UAE. This package will help start-ups quickly establish themselves, access business resources, and connect with potential partners and investors. The goal is to make it easier for Indian start-ups to expand internationally and succeed in a competitive market.

Vision Of RAKEZ Leadership

Ramy Jallad, Group CEO of RAKEZ, shared his vision for the partnership. He said that Indian start-ups are leading global innovation, and their growing interest in the UAE shows the strength of RAKEZ’s ecosystem. The partnership with the CEPA Council is designed to empower entrepreneurs, helping them turn ambitious ideas into successful businesses. RAKEZ provides a platform where Indian start-ups can scale, enter global markets, and contribute to the UAE–India growth story.

CEPA Framework And Start-Up Opportunities

The UAE–India Start-up Series is the first initiative of its kind under the CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement) framework. It transforms government agreements into practical opportunities for entrepreneurs. By connecting India’s top start-ups with the UAE’s business-friendly environment, infrastructure, and networks, the Series aims to accelerate cross-border collaboration. This approach sets new standards for innovation-led economic growth and strengthens ties between the two nations.

Strong Response From Indian Start-Ups

The initiative has received a tremendous response from India’s start-up community. Over 10,000 applications have already been submitted, demonstrating the strong desire of Indian entrepreneurs to expand globally. The large number of applicants also reflects confidence in the UAE as a destination for business growth, innovation, and investment. The partnership between RAKEZ and the CEPA Council is a significant step in helping start-ups convert this interest into successful business ventures.

Building Long-Term Value

RAKEZ and the CEPA Council’s collaboration is not just about immediate results; it is about creating long-term value. By supporting start-ups, the initiative helps foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable economic growth. Indian start-ups will gain access to new markets, while the UAE strengthens its position as a hub for global innovation. This partnership is expected to bring lasting benefits to both economies and reinforce bilateral ties between the two countries.

Empowering Entrepreneurs Globally

The initiative highlights the UAE’s growing role as a global launchpad for entrepreneurs. By providing resources, mentorship, and market access, the UAE helps start-ups turn their ideas into reality. RAKEZ’s ecosystem is designed to support entrepreneurs at every stage, from initial evaluation to scaling globally. For Indian start-ups, this is a unique opportunity to gain exposure in international markets, collaborate with industry leaders, and grow their businesses rapidly.

The partnership between RAKEZ and the UAE–India CEPA Council represents a significant step for start-ups in India and the UAE. The UAE–India Start-up Series provides a platform for Indian entrepreneurs to access the UAE market, receive incubation support, and scale their businesses globally. With strong leadership from RAKEZ and active collaboration with the CEPA Council, the initiative demonstrates the UAE’s commitment to fostering innovation, supporting start-ups, and building a robust economic corridor between India and the UAE. By empowering visionary entrepreneurs, this partnership is helping shape the future of global innovation and growth, creating opportunities for sustainable development and long-term success for both countries.

RAKEZ CEPA Partnership, Indian Start-Up Support, UAE Market Access