RAKEZ and UAE–India CEPA Council Forge Alliance to Boost Start-up Ecosystem
First published onRAKIS ↗
Ras Al Khaimah, 15 sept 2025: Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the UAE–India CEPA Council, establishing a new collaboration to advance the flagship UAE–India Start-up Series.
The agreement, formalised by Yaser Abdulla Al Ahmed, Chief Government and Corporate Relations Officer at RAKEZ, and Ahmed Aljneibi, Director of the CEPA Council, outlines joint initiatives to nurture and promote high-potential Indian start-ups with ambitions to expand globally.
In the Official press release by RAKEZ, Commenting on the significance of the MoU and the broader impact of the partnership, Yaser Abdulla Al Ahmed said: “This collaboration marks a strategic step in aligning economic policy with entrepreneurial opportunity. By working closely with the CEPA Council, we are creating seamless access for Indian start-ups to enter and grow in the UAE market. Our role is not just to facilitate entry but to build an ecosystem that helps these ventures thrive and make lasting contributions to our bilateral economic ties.”
As part of the collaboration, RAKEZ and the CEPA Council will launch the Start-up Series, a flagship programme designed to fast-track the international growth of innovative Indian start-ups. The initiative will identify high-potential ventures, with a select group of winners receiving incubation support and facilitated access to the UAE market.
In the same press release, Reflecting on the success of this landmark initiative, Ahmed Aljneibi said: “We are thrilled to see over 10,000 Indian start-ups express interest in the UAE–India Start-up Series. This extraordinary response highlights the dynamism of India’s entrepreneurial community and the UAE’s growing role as a global launchpad for innovation. Our partnership with RAKEZ is about more than an MoU, it is about building bridges for start-ups to scale globally and shape the future of the UAE–India economic corridor.”
As part of the programme, RAKEZ will extend its backing to one of the five winning start-ups, offering a fully sponsored soft-landing package to help establish their presence in the UAE.
In the same press release, Ramy Jallad, Group CEO of RAKEZ, shared his vision for the partnership, “Indian start-ups are at the forefront of global innovation, and their growing interest in the UAE reflects the strength, diversity, and scalability of our ecosystem in Ras Al Khaimah. This partnership with the CEPA Council goes beyond support, it’s about empowering bold ideas and turning ambitions into reality. We’re proud to offer a launchpad where visionary Indian entrepreneurs can scale their businesses, tap into global markets, and shape the future of the UAE–India growth story.”
The UAE–India Start-up Series marks the first initiative launched under the CEPA framework, transforming high-level bilateral commitments into tangible opportunities for emerging entrepreneurs. By linking India’s most innovative start-ups with the UAE’s pro-business ecosystem, advanced infrastructure, and global networks, the programme seeks to accelerate cross-border partnerships and set new standards for innovation-driven growth.
Having already attracted over 10,000 applications, the initiative highlights both the eagerness of Indian start-ups to expand internationally and the UAE’s role as a preferred hub for global entrepreneurs. The alliance between RAKEZ and the CEPA Council underscores a joint commitment to building on this momentum, driving lasting economic value, and strengthening the UAE–India relationship as a catalyst for innovation, investment, and sustainable development.
