Sheikh Khaled Meets Kerala Chief Minister to Boost Ties

His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, met with Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister of Kerala, during an official meeting aimed at strengthening relations between the UAE and the Indian state of Kerala. The meeting underlined the deep-rooted friendship and mutual respect shared by the two sides.

During the meeting, both leaders discussed ways to enhance cooperation in key sectors that align with their countries’ strategic visions for growth and sustainable development. The discussions focused on strengthening economic, investment, trade, and developmental ties, building upon years of partnership between the UAE and India.

Sheikh Khaled expressed his appreciation for the contributions of the Indian community in the UAE and emphasized the country’s commitment to maintaining strong and inclusive relations with India, particularly with Kerala — home to a large segment of the Indian expatriate population in the UAE.

The meeting highlighted opportunities to expand joint initiatives in infrastructure, energy, innovation, healthcare, and tourism. Both sides emphasized the importance of sustainable development and technological innovation as driving forces for future collaboration.

Sheikh Khaled and Chief Minister Vijayan discussed new frameworks for business cooperation that would support small and medium-sized enterprises, investment facilitation, and knowledge exchange between Abu Dhabi and Kerala.

The leaders reaffirmed their shared vision of inclusive economic growth, highlighting the importance of long-term partnerships that benefit both communities. Sheikh Khaled noted that Abu Dhabi’s focus on diversification and sustainable innovation complements Kerala’s ambitions for digital transformation, renewable energy, and improved infrastructure.

Chief Minister Vijayan expressed his appreciation for Abu Dhabi’s efforts in building strong ties with Kerala and the UAE’s role as a global model for progress and tolerance. He also thanked the UAE leadership for providing opportunities and a supportive environment for millions of Keralites working in the country.

The meeting was attended by several senior Abu Dhabi officials, including:

• Ahmed Jasem Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development;

• Saif Saeed Ghobash, Secretary-General of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of the Office of the Crown Prince; and

• Maryam Eid AlMheiri, Chairperson of Abu Dhabi Media Office and Advisor of Strategic Relations at the Crown Prince Court.

Their presence reflected the UAE’s commitment to advancing cooperation at the institutional and strategic levels, supporting ongoing projects and joint initiatives with India.

The meeting builds on the longstanding partnership between the UAE and India, which has continued to expand in trade, energy, and cultural exchange. India is one of the UAE’s largest trading partners, while the UAE remains a key hub for Indian investment and innovation in the Middle East.

The relationship also reflects strong people-to-people ties, with over 3.5 million Indians residing in the UAE, many of whom trace their roots to Kerala. This strong social and economic bond continues to reinforce mutual understanding and cooperation.

Both sides expressed confidence that their discussions would lead to new opportunities in economic cooperation, digital transformation, and sustainable development. Sheikh Khaled reaffirmed Abu Dhabi’s readiness to explore more areas of partnership with Kerala and support shared goals in development and innovation.

Chief Minister Vijayan noted that the meeting would open new doors for investment, job creation, and technology exchange, contributing to Kerala’s growth and enhancing the welfare of its citizens abroad.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continue dialogue and cooperation across all sectors. It marks a significant step forward in expanding the UAE’s diplomatic and economic engagement with India’s states, reflecting the broader vision of the UAE leadership to strengthen global partnerships rooted in mutual respect and shared prosperity.