10th Indian Delegation to Dubai, Gitex & Expand North Star – World’s Largest Startup Investor Connect
Event

BNI Expo 2023 Concludes Empowering Business Connections and Growth

Business Network International (BNI®) UAE proudly concludes its highly anticipated BNI Expo UAE 2023, held on June 24th, at the prestigious Le Meridian Hotel & Conference Centre. With the agenda ‘Get Ahead of the Curve,’ the event brought together a diverse range of business professionals, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders, providing an invaluable platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and business growth. The event was graced by the esteemed presence of K. Kalimuthu, Consul (Economic, Trade & Commerce) at the Consulate General of India in Dubai, addressing the attendees on the growing importance of strategic partnerships in the thriving Dubai market for sustained success.

BNI Expo

In the vibrant setting of the BNI Expo, around 900 attendees, including key industry delegates, exhibitors, and visitors from various nationalities, came together to forge connections, foster collaboration, and stimulate business growth through strategic networking opportunities. The event had approximately 75 trade booths exhibiting new-age business innovation and unique offerings catering to various sectors. Additionally, the event served as a pivotal platform for SMEs offering ample opportunities for collaboration and business expansion.

India and the UAE Relationship

India and the UAE share a strong and enduring relationship not only in terms of business partnership but also due to geographical proximity and cultural familiarity.

Speaking about the long-standing partnership between the two countries, Mr. K. Kalimuthu, Consul (Economic, Trade & Commerce) at the Consulate General of India in Dubai, said, “The UAE government has consistently taken the lead in introducing initiatives to enhance trade and investment. Given that the UAE is our third-largest trading partner, it is imperative for both countries to cultivate a harmonious business environment.

D33

The recent launch of their ambitious plan, D33, which aims to double foreign trade and investment by 2023, revitalizes our efforts to strengthen our trade relations. In line with this, organizations like BNI play a vital role. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to BNI UAE for a successful year. The Expo event has truly showcased the vibrant business landscape and the potential for sustained success in the UAE market. It has brought businesses of diverse nationalities and regions together to connect and grow, fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and supporting the development of a diverse and resilient economy.”

BNI Expo Presents


Organized by BNI UAE, the BNI Expo presents a unique opportunity for professionals to blend innovation with referrals and establish invaluable business connections. Over the course of 18 years, BNI UAE has cultivated a thriving community of over 1,000 members, whose contributions have significantly fostered a conducive business environment in the region. Their combined efforts have generated business worth over 2.5 billion AED. Presently, the organization operates through 22 strategically connected BNI chapters across the region. In 2023, BNI UAE recorded over 30% growth in its membership and generated over 48% more business compared to the previous year.

Bijay Rajnikantt Shah

Speaking about the growth of BNI UAE, Bijay Rajnikantt Shah, National Director of BNI UAE, said, “In today’s dynamic business landscape, establishing strong connections and harnessing the power of collaboration is essential for achieving success. We take immense pride in being part of this journey towards business excellence. The remarkable response to the BNI Expo 2023 is a testament to the significant impact of referral-based business and its vast potential for individuals and organizations in the UAE. Moreover to that, considering the impressive growth of BNI UAE earlier this year, we are pleased to announce our decision to expand BNI UAE chapters within Dubai, as well as in Oman and Bahrain, starting from July 20th.

The event featured an impressive lineup of speakers, panel discussions, workshops, and interactive sessions, covering a wide array of topics crucial to business success in the ever-evolving landscape of the UAE. Adding to the stellar lineup of speakers, Fahed Bizzari, a leading ChatGPT thought leader, brought valuable perspectives on the intersection of artificial intelligence, technology, and business growth.

Attendees of the BNI Annual Networking Event experienced a day filled with engaging conference content, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities. They had the chance to gain valuable insights from industry experts, learn about emerging trends, and acquire practical strategies to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities in today’s competitive business environment.

For more information on the event visit BNI: Changing the Way the World Does Business®

About BNI UAE

BNI UAE is a thriving network of entrepreneurs and business professionals dedicated to fostering referral-based business growth and collaboration in the United Arab Emirates. BNI has over 305K global members worldwide, in 77 different countries, from over 300 different types of professions, all of whom have benefited from increased referral business as a result of BNI. Bird Wing Enterprises DMCC registered BNI in the United Arab Emirates, and its members have generated over AED20.06 Billion (over US$435 Million) in business through referrals since September 2005 to date. The organization’s philosophy is built upon the idea of “Givers Gain®.” By giving business to others, you will get business in return. This is predicated on the age-old idea of “What goes around, comes around.”

BNI EXPO

The BNI Expo is the flagship networking event in the UAE that provides a platform for entrepreneurs to come together, share experiences, and unlock new possibilities. BNI’s success lies in its ability to bring together a diverse group of entrepreneurs who share a common goal of business development and collaboration.

by Vivek Kumar

W7Worldwide proudly announces that Abdulrahman Inayat has been recognized as PR Leader of the Year at the prestigious Athar Festival 2025, in a category presented in association with the International Communications Consultancy Organisation (ICCO) — the global representative body for PR associations and consultancies. Representing the world’s leading PR consultancies and national associations across more than 80 countries, ICCO serves as the global voice of the public relations industry. This recognition underscores Inayat’s exceptional leadership and W7Worldwide’s continued contribution to advancing the communications landscape across Saudi Arabia, the MENA region, and international markets. “This achievement is not only personal; it reflects the collective dedication of our W7Worldwide team and the transformation we are witnessing across the Saudi communication landscape,” said Abdulrahman Inayat . “We are proud to contribute to shaping a globally competitive PR industry that mirrors Vision 2030’s ambition and creativity.” This honor adds to a recent series of distinctions recognizing Abdulrahman Inayat’s leadership in the communications sector. He was previously elected Chairman of the Regional Board of the International Public Relations Network (IPRN) for the Middle East and North Africa. He also made history as the youngest board member of PRCA MENA and was presented with the Outstanding Leadership Award, further underscoring his influence across the regional marketing and communications landscape. Meanwhile, W7Worldwide has received over 30 awards in recent years across local, regional, and global platforms, being recognized among the leading communications consultancies in the region. “Abdulrahman’s recognition as PR Leader of the Year exemplifies the excellence and ambition driving the Middle East’s creative marketing and communications community forward,” said Ian Fairservice, Chairman of Motivate Media Group and Festival Co-Founder. W7Worldwide has evolved into one of the region’s most respected homegrown communications consultancies, earning international acclaim for its strategic thinking, innovative storytelling, and deep cultural understanding. The agency continues to lead the way in positioning Saudi and MENA communications excellence on the global stage. About W7Worldwide W7Worldwide is a homegrown, award-winning communications consultancy known for its strategic insights, thought leadership, and culturally grounded storytelling. With a proven track record of partnering with more than 100 clients across diverse sectors, the firm has built deep expertise in reputation management and strategic communication, helping organizations strengthen trust and visibility. Operating across the MENA region and international markets, W7Worldwide continues to elevate Saudi communications leadership on the global stage.

by Vivek Kumar

The inaugural edition of CARE (Climate Action, Renewable Energy & Sustainability) forum series by Trescon, is set to become the MENA region’s most influential platform for sustainability investment and climate innovation. The forum will unite regional and global leaders driving the Middle East’s clean energy transition. Co-located with DATE, a Digitization, AI & Emerging Tech Summit, CARE MENA will take place on 26-27 November at the iconic Madinat Jumeirah. “With the GCC committing billions to renewable infrastructure, CARE MENA offers a unique, action-oriented platform where capital meets climate ambition,” said Naveen Bharadwaj, Group CEO, Trescon. He continued, “From solar and hydrogen to green finance and industrial decarbonisation, the series will spotlight investable opportunities that support net-zero goals and drive regional climate action.” Talking about the series, Jens Y. Zimmermann, President, Orios Venture Partners, said, “Looking forward to CARE and learning more about new developments, trends & investment opportunities in climate & renewable energy.”  For start-ups, scale-ups and climate tech ventures, CARE MENA is a launchpad and a great opportunity to secure investments.  “I’m looking forward to CARE as a platform to uncover investment opportunities in climate tech and renewables,” said Kevin Holliday, CEO, Venturebeam. Ahmed Refaie, CEO & Global CIO, G.P.I. Global Partners Investments Limited said, “CARE gives an opportunity for climate finance and investment practicing professionals to deploy capital in an environmentally impactful and responsible way.” Whether seeking Series A investment, strategic partnerships or market access, participants will gain direct exposure to venture capital firms, institutional investors, family offices, and sovereign funds. Backed by some of the region’s most prominent investors — from the Royal Group and Sharjah Investment & Development Authority (Shurooq) to ARM Holding, Venturesouq, Plug and Play, and others — CARE MENA is set to spark high impact collaborations. Talking about the opportunities at CARE, Sofia Kostiunina, Managing Director, 100VP commented, “From the VC perspective, I see CARE as an excellent platform to identify breakthrough opportunities in renewable energy and climate tech.” Flagship initiatives include: CARE ESG Awards, hosted by Trescon and supported by ESG MENA, will also spotlight and celebrate the “Responsible Investor of the Year” and the “Young Sustainability Pioneer of the Year”. Sessions at the summit will explore regulatory reform, capital flows and technology deployment, with a sharp focus on commercial viability and regional scalability. With the help of its sponsors including Emtribe, Cero Hero, Enjazponic, S&P Global and others, CARE MENA will also feature investor roundtables, pitch sessions and partnership forums — ensuring that conversations lead to commitments. For founders, it’s a chance to pitch to decision-makers. For corporates, it’s a front-row seat to the next wave of green innovation. And for investors, it’s access to the region’s most promising ventures and infrastructure projects.

by Vivek Kumar

TiEcon Delhi-NCR 2025, India’s largest deeptech summit, set the tonefor one of the nation’s most significant science and technology developments — the launch of the ₹1lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund by Prime Minister Narendra Modi atthe Emerging Science and Technology Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2025. At the two-day TiEcon Delhi-NCR, a keynote fireside conversation titled “Quantum Leap: AcceleratingIndia’s Tech Sovereignty” brought together Dr. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science& Technology (DST- GOI), and Dr. Saurabh Srivastava, Chairman Emeritus, TiE Delhi-NCR. Thediscussion highlighted India’s focus on strengthening deep-tech capabilities through collaborativeR&D, private sector participation, and startup-led innovation – a vision that aligns closely with theobjectives of the newly launched RDI Fund. Dr. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science & Technology, GOI said, “India stands at adefining moment in its deep-tech journey. The Research, Development and Innovation Fund is afirst-of-its-kind initiative to empower corporates, industries, and startups across sunrise sectors suchas quantum, AI, semiconductors, biotech, and advanced manufacturing. With liberalized norms and atwo-tier fund management model, it aims to catalyse private sector R&D, promote IP creation withinIndia, and strengthen our path toward technological sovereignty. The government’s role is to enable,not control – fostering risk-taking and long-term R&D investment that builds India’s innovationstrength.” Sharing his perspective, Dr. Saurabh Srivastava, Chairman Emeritus, TiE Delhi-NCR, said, “India’sambition to achieve tech sovereignty depends on uniting scientific excellence with entrepreneurialexecution. By deepening collaboration between academia, research, and startups, we can turncutting-edge discoveries into world-class products. TiE Delhi-NCR continues to be a catalyst for thisecosystem, connecting innovators, investors, and policymakers to drive India’s next wave oftechnological breakthroughs.”The session followed the inaugural keynote by Shri Piyush Goyal, Hon’ble Union Minister ofCommerce and Industries, who emphasised the government’s vision to build a deep-tech ecosystempowered by innovation and youth engagement. Organised by TiE Delhi-NCR, TiEcon Delhi-NCR 2025 brought together policymakers, investors,founders, and global thought leaders to discuss India’s next growth frontier in technology andentrepreneurship. For over 25 years, TiE Delhi-NCR has been a driving force in India’s innovationlandscape, fostering collaboration, mentorship, and investment that continue to shape the country’stransformation into a global innovation powerhouse.About TiE Delhi-NCR TiE Delhi-NCR is one of the most active and vibrant chapters of TiE Global, dedicated to fosteringentrepreneurship through mentoring, networking, education, and funding. With a legacy spanningover two decades, TiE Delhi-NCR continues to empower innovators and founders, driving India’stransformation into a global innovation powerhouse.