Dubai and India Forge Strategic Partnership to Accelerate Private-Sector Adoption of Agentic AI

Dubai and India have strengthened their technological collaboration by signing a preliminary agreement aimed at helping private-sector firms adopt agentic AI. The deal, established between Dubai Chambers and India's National Association of Software and Service Companies (Nasscom), also supports Indian companies specializing in the technology to establish a foothold in the Emirates, according to the state news agency Wam.

Agentic AI describes systems designed to understand goals, determine necessary steps, and execute them with minimal human oversight. These advanced tools are increasingly utilized in operations and mobile devices to assist users. The UAE and India initially agreed to cooperate on artificial intelligence in the year 2018.

For businesses, agentic AI automates more complex workflows than conventional AI tools. These agents can manage multi-step processes such as handling customer requests, processing documents, overseeing procurement, conducting compliance checks, and providing technical support. Such capabilities allow companies to lower operating costs, accelerate service delivery, and enable employees to concentrate on tasks requiring human judgment.

Nasscom represents more than 3,500 members spanning India's $315 billion technology sector. The Noida-based organization expects the agreement to encourage the exchange of expertise and help members access new business opportunities in the UAE. Conversely, Dubai companies gain access to India's extensive network of technology firms, developers, and AI specialists.

Dubai Chambers president and chief executive Mohammad Lootah stated that Dubai’s initiatives to support the private sector’s transition toward agentic AI represent a pioneering global effort to enhance business competitiveness. He added that these measures will help companies capitalize on advanced technologies within the future economy.

The government of Dubai maintains ambitious goals regarding artificial intelligence. In April, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, outlined plans for half of all government services to be delivered through AI agents within a two-year timeframe, transforming 50 per cent of UAE government sectors and operations.

Additionally, Dubai introduced a two-year action plan to harness advanced AI within the private sector to secure a competitive edge in the global workplace. The Dubai Chamber of Commerce plans to introduce specialized agentic AI training for all business councils, while Dubai Chambers has been directed to create incubators and dedicated funds for agentic AI companies.

In June, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, declared the emirate's objective to become the world's leading hub for developing and deploying advanced AI solutions.

Meanwhile, India pursues its own national agentic AI strategy, spearheaded by New Delhi's IndiaAI portal. A recent study by Ness Digital Engineering reported that nearly all Indian companies intend to integrate agentic AI into their operations, demonstrating a shared global commitment to technological advancement.