The United Arab Emirates is set to introduce a special soft-landing package for Indian start-ups under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), a move expected to significantly boost cross-border innovation, investment, and entrepreneurship. The initiative aims to help Indian start-ups expand smoothly into the UAE market by offering them structural support, regulatory guidance, and access to a thriving regional business ecosystem.
The UAE has been positioning itself as a global innovation hub, and this new soft-landing package aligns with its vision to attract high-potential technology and service-driven companies. Under CEPA, Indian start-ups will benefit from simplified market entry procedures, reduced administrative barriers, and enhanced access to investors, accelerators, and industry networks across the Emirates.
According to officials familiar with the initiative, the soft-landing package will provide multiple layers of support, including assistance with company setup, discounted workspace options, access to banking services, and tailored mentorship from leading industry experts. This will help young companies navigate the regulatory framework of the UAE and establish themselves in sectors such as fintech, healthtech, e-commerce, sustainability, and artificial intelligence.
For India, this development comes at a time when its start-up ecosystem is witnessing rapid expansion, with thousands of companies seeking to scale into global markets. CEPA, which was designed to deepen economic ties between India and the UAE, already facilitates smoother trade, investment flows, and workforce mobility. The inclusion of a structured soft-landing pathway is expected to accelerate outbound opportunities for Indian entrepreneurs while strengthening bilateral economic cooperation.
Start-ups participating in the program will also gain exposure to potential collaborations with UAE government entities, free zone authorities, and multinational corporations based in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. In addition, they will have opportunities to engage in regional events, pitch competitions, and venture capital forums, giving them access to a wider audience of investors across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
Industry leaders believe this initiative will be mutually beneficial for both countries. The UAE will gain access to India’s vast talent pool and dynamic innovation capabilities, while Indian start-ups will tap into one of the world’s most business-friendly markets, known for high purchasing power, strong digital adoption, and forward-looking regulatory frameworks.
The soft-landing package is also expected to encourage more Indian companies to establish regional headquarters in the UAE, enabling them to expand into the GCC and beyond. With the Emirates pursuing aggressive diversification under national strategies like the UAE Innovation Agenda and the Digital Economy Strategy 2031, the collaboration arrives at an ideal time.
As CEPA continues to unlock new avenues of cooperation, the start-up soft-landing program stands out as a major step toward building a seamless India–UAE innovation corridor. The initiative is set to redefine how entrepreneurs from both nations collaborate, scale, and compete in the global marketplace.
