Dubai, April 14, 2025 — The Gulf region’s growing stature as a global hub for investment and trade integration was front and center at the opening of the “LIBF GCC Calling 2025” conference, inaugurated by Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence. The event, hosted by the Lohana International Business Forum (LIBF) at Dubai’s Mövenpick Hotel, drew over 1,000 business leaders, policymakers, and professionals from across 37 countries.
In his keynote address, Sheikh Nahyan underscored the strategic importance of the conference, describing it as a “purposeful global platform” and praising the Lohana community for its long-standing contributions to trade, industry, and social development. He emphasized the enduring friendship between the UAE and India, which continues to flourish through economic cooperation and mutual trust.
“The LIBF GCC Calling aligns fully with the priorities of the UAE and other GCC countries — particularly in the areas of sustainable entrepreneurship, economic cooperation, and the promotion of ethical values in business,” said Sheikh Nahyan.
He also highlighted the UAE’s commitment, under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to driving sustainable development, innovation, and economic diversification. Dubai’s emergence as a global financial hub, he added, stands as a testament to the visionary governance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai.
Commending the Indian diaspora’s vital role in the UAE’s economic fabric, Sheikh Nahyan called on attendees to use the conference as a springboard for dialogue, strategy development, and regional integration.
LIBF Expo 2026 Announced
Indian Ambassador to the UAE Sanjay Sudhir also addressed the gathering, applauding the deep-rooted ties between India and the GCC. He praised the Lohana community’s role in fostering cross-border collaboration and innovation, describing the conference as “a strategic platform for the future of India-Gulf cooperation.”
In a landmark moment, Sheikh Nahyan and Ambassador Sudhir jointly announced the launch of “LIBF Expo 2026”, to be hosted in India. The expo is expected to draw delegations from over 30 countries and aims to build on the current momentum by driving international investment, enhancing trade flows, and creating inclusive, knowledge-driven economic ecosystems.
Conference Highlights
The conference featured high-level discussions on pressing topics such as global supply chain resilience, digital transformation in emerging markets, ethical business leadership, and commercial expansion strategies. Participants included influential investors, innovators, and entrepreneurs from both the Indian subcontinent and the Gulf region.
As the GCC continues to attract global attention as a nexus for trade and investment, forums like LIBF GCC Calling are increasingly seen as pivotal in shaping policy and forging new pathways for international collaboration.
