Sheikh Hamdan’s India visit: UAE-India Friendship Hospital announced in Dubai to serve workers

A wave of new UAE-India collaborations has been set in motion following the first official visit to India by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Among the standout announcements was the launch of the UAE-India Friendship Hospital (UIFH), a not-for-profit medical facility dedicated to providing accessible and inclusive healthcare for blue-collar workers in Dubai.

The hospital will be established through a partnership between Dubai Health and five influential Indian entrepreneurs, who will serve as the founding trustees. The agreement to create the UIFH was signed during a special event organized by Dubai Chambers in Mumbai, where Sheikh Hamdan and India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, were present to witness the occasion.

The group of entrepreneurs behind the project includes Faizal Kottikollon, Nilesh Ved, Siddharth Balachandran, Tariq Chauhan,- and Ramesh S Ramakrishnan—prominent figures in the UAE’s Indian business community and active members of the UAE India Business Council – UAE Chapter. Representing Dubai Health, the agreement was signed by its CEO, Dr. Amer Sharif.

Beyond the hospital initiative, the visit saw the signing of eight Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to deepen cooperation across a wide range of sectors. These include infrastructure development, healthcare, higher education, maritime services, logistics, and broader private-sector engagement. The agreements are expected to further boost the economic and strategic partnership between the two nations.

Another key initiative discussed was the development of a virtual UAE-India trade corridor intended to enhance efficiency and connectivity in bilateral trade.

The high-profile visit by Sheikh Hamdan reinforced the enduring friendship between the UAE and India. It translated that goodwill into concrete actions designed to benefit both countries' economies and communities.