Indian startups are increasingly looking to the UAE for global expansion, with Sharjah emerging as a key hub. This trend is driven by strategic partnerships and a business-friendly ecosystem designed to help Indian entrepreneurs scale up and access wider markets.
New Hub for Indian Startups
The Sharjah Centre of India Startup Hub (ISH), a new platform, was formally launched on August 25, 2025. This initiative is a result of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) and Startup Middle East. The hub is designed to be a bridge, providing Indian startups with direct access to Sharjah’s entrepreneurial infrastructure, including its five free zones, and a robust network of investors.
Strategic Partnership and Collaborative Initiatives
The collaboration goes beyond simply establishing a physical hub. It’s built on a strategic roadmap to strengthen bilateral startup ties and foster an “innovation corridor” between the two countries.
- Market Access: The partnership aims to help Indian founders enter the Middle Eastern market, while also creating opportunities for UAE-based ventures to tap into India’s vast innovation landscape.
- Supportive Programs: The collaboration will enhance key Sheraa programs, such as Sheraa Deal Dock, Sharjah Startup Studio (S3), and the Access Sharjah Challenge, providing end-to-end support from funding and regulatory assistance to strategic mentorship.
- Global Events: The agreement also facilitates Indian startups’ participation in major UAE-based events like the Scaleup in the Emirates Business Summit, and brings them into key Indian startup ecosystem events, creating new pathways for exploration and collaboration.
Why Sharjah?
Sharjah is positioning itself as a strategic destination for Indian companies, with Indian investors already forming a key component of the emirate’s business landscape. The city offers a range of competitive advantages:
- Business-Friendly Environment: The emirate boasts a supportive regulatory framework, streamlined licensing processes, and attractive incentives.
- FDI Growth: In 2024 alone, nearly 2,000 new Indian companies joined the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, reflecting a 30% increase in investments compared to the previous year.
- Gateway to the GCC: Its strategic location and advanced infrastructure make it an ideal gateway for Indian companies looking to expand their presence across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and broader MENA region.
- Robust Ecosystem: The Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP) and the Sheraa entrepreneurship center offer a world-class environment for startups, complete with incubators, accelerators, and a highly-qualified workforce.
