India, UAE Sign Deal to Boost Trade to $100Bln by 2027

The UAE is India's third-largest export destination after the United States and China. (Getty Images file phto)
The UAE is India's third-largest export destination after the United States and China. (Getty Images file phto)
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India, UAE Sign Deal to Boost Trade to $100Bln by 2027

The UAE is India's third-largest export destination after the United States and China. (Getty Images file phto)
The UAE is India's third-largest export destination after the United States and China. (Getty Images file phto)

India and the United Arab Emirates on Friday signed an agreement aimed at boosting bilateral trade to $100 billion from the current $60 billion over the next five years, an Indian foreign ministry statement said.

The accord signed by India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and UAE Economy Minister Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri is intended at benefiting business through enhanced market access and reduced tariffs. Details were not immediately available.

The two sides set out a roadmap for cooperation in sectors including energy, trade, climate action, emerging technologies, skills and education, food security, healthcare, defense and security.

The UAE is India's third-largest export destination after the United States and China with exports reaching nearly $16 billion for 2020-21. More than 3 million Indians employed in the Gulf state send home billions of dollars in remittances every year.

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, held a virtual summit and oversaw the signing of the agreement by the two ministers in New Delhi.



Riyadh to Host 3rd Edition of Saudi Tourism Forum Under the Slogan ‘To Discover’

A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Riyadh to Host 3rd Edition of Saudi Tourism Forum Under the Slogan ‘To Discover’

A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Riyadh is set to host the third edition of the Saudi Tourism Forum from January 7 to 9 at Roshn Front.

Organized in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, the Saudi Tourism Authority, and the Tourism Development Fund, the event will run under the theme "To Discover."

This year’s forum serves as a dynamic platform to highlight new and unique tourist destinations across the Kingdom, offering visitors innovative experiences while showcasing Saudi Arabia’s diverse tourism potential. With over 100 exhibitors, the forum provides an expansive space to explore the latest developments in the tourism sector, spotlight major investment projects, and foster skill development and partnerships to drive tourism growth.

Chief Executive Officer of 4M Event and Chairman of the Forum’s Organizing Committee Eng. Hamza Nasser emphasized the forum’s role in advancing collaboration within the tourism sector. "Through the forum, we aim to promote the beauty of Saudi tourist destinations, enhance cooperation among stakeholders, and raise awareness about investment and development opportunities. This aligns with the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030,” he said.
Since its inception, the Saudi Tourism Forum has significantly advanced efforts to promote the Kingdom's rich cultural heritage and distinctive tourist sites. Supported by prominent partners and sponsors, the event underscores a shared commitment to developing this vital sector.
The program will feature a variety of seminars and workshops, offering insights into the latest trends and developments in tourism. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with keynote speakers, decision-makers, and industry professionals, enhancing their skills and knowledge.
The forum is expected to attract a diverse audience, including business leaders, investors, officials, and dignitaries, creating fertile ground for collaboration and partnerships.