Gujarati Samaj and Vyapar Junction charts ambitious plan to increase investment, trade and employment in the UAE
The UAE’s US$ 3.4bn (AED 12.47bn) investment into India’s western Gujarat state has inspired the 300,000-strong Non-Resident Gujarati community members in the UAE to strengthen their network by creating Gujarati Samaj (society in Hindi) and Vyapar (trade in Hindi) Junction to strengthen economic relations.
Gujarat is a highly industrialised state in India, driven by manufacturing, high exports, and robust cargo handling. The Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) stands above INR ₹24.6 trillion US$ 260bn), with per capita income crossing ₹300,000, positioning the region as a primary economic powerhouse in the country.
Dubai’s DP World is investing US$ 3bn in the state’s ports, free zones and logistics to create a new economic gateway for India that will help Indian economy to grow faster. In July 2026, Lulu Group announced a IN₹ 40bn (US$ 400mn) investment to develop a large shopping mall, a five-star hotel and serviced apartments in the state that will cater to a growing urban population seeking better retail experience.
Integrated ecosystem
Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism, remarked that the state boasts an integrated ecosystem encompassing ports, industry, food processing, renewable energy, logistics, and entrepreneurship.
“Gujarat serves as a crucial focal point for the next phase of the UAE-India Economic Corridor, offering promising opportunities to strengthen cooperation in resilient supply chains, advanced manufacturing, food security, financial services, and tourism,” he stated.
The total number of Indian companies operating in the UAE reached 290,222 by the end of H1 2026, reflecting a 16.7 per cent growth compared to the same period in 2025, many of them owned by members of the Gujarati community.
AED 1.53bn investment opportunity
“We have announced a IN₹ 40bn (AED 1.53bn) investment project to come up with a modern shopping mall, a 5-star hotel and furnished residential apartments in an area of nearly 21 acres of land that we have recently acquired in Ahmedabad,” affirmed Yusuff Ali M.A., Chairman, Lulu Group.
Gujarati Samaj UAE is a not-for-profit community organisation that brings together more than 300,000 Gujarati community members of the Indian community residing across the UAE. It was established in 2022 and has since expanded to a vibrant community of more than 28,000 members currently.
The primary objectives of Gujarati Samaj UAE are to support community members during challenging times by providing guidance and assistance in dealing with various government-related matters; to help individuals secure suitable employment opportunities; to promote social unity by celebrating Indian and UAE national festivals and cultural events and to strengthen community networking and foster mutual support among members.
Vibrant community
“Gujaratis are a vibrant and resourceful community in the UAE. As the economic relationship between the UAE and the state of Gujarat strengthens, we are also gearing up to realign our resources to enhance the socio-economic relationship by promoting trade, investment and employment,” noted Priteesh Patel, Founder, Gujarati Samaj in the UAE and Chairman, Akshar Holdings.
Gujarati Samaj UAE aims to expand its membership to over 100,000 members in the coming years and promote bilateral trade across multiple sectors; Facilitating business opportunities between Indian and UAE companies; Creating greater employment opportunities for Gujaratis seeking careers in the UAE.
Its business networking platform Vyapar Junction UAE is helping business connectivity. Vyapar Junction UAE, is a place where entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals meet to exchange ideas, build relationships, and explore new business opportunities.
