Global capital meets Dubai: Yusuff Ali discusses the changing map of investment at AIM Congress 2026

The 15th edition of AIM Congress 2026 opened at the Dubai World Trade Centre on 7 September, convening senior government leaders, policymakers, global investors and business executives for a three-day forum running through 9 September. LuLu Group International Chairman Yusuff Ali M.A. attended the inaugural session, joined global delegates and took part in a high‑level panel on the changing geography of global investment, underscoring the UAE’s role as a strategic hub linking Asia, Africa and Europe.

“Reshaping Global Prosperity: Unlocking New Investment Pathways Towards a Sustainable and Inclusive Future.”

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, AIM Congress 2026 framed discussions around new investment opportunities amid persistent geopolitical tensions and supply‑chain disruptions. Yusuff Ali used the platform to outline the attributes that, in his view, make the UAE attractive to global capital: stability, openness, world‑class infrastructure and an investor‑friendly environment.

Discussion highlights and bilateral outreach

Yusuff Ali’s participation included a panel on the “changing geography of global investment,” where he drew on his experience building LuLu into a major regional retail group with an extensive international footprint. On the sidelines of the Congress, LuLu executives held targeted meetings with Indian officials, notably a bilateral discussion with Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav and members of that state’s delegation, exploring investment and trade cooperation opportunities.

• Event: AIM Congress 2026, 7–9 September, Dubai World Trade Centre
• Notable attendees mentioned: Yusuff Ali M.A. (LuLu Group International); HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum; HH Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi (Ras Al Khaimah Ruler); Dr. Mohan Yadav (Chief Minister, Madhya Pradesh)
• Indian state delegations present: Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Bihar, Odisha

The Congress emphasised the growing engagement between the UAE and India. Delegations from several Indian states — led by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav — participated at cabinet and ministerial levels, showcasing investment opportunities across retail, food processing, agriculture, logistics, manufacturing, infrastructure, technology and tourism. LuLu Group, with substantial investments and an expanding retail presence in India as well as a sourcing network across the GCC, featured in talks aimed at strengthening commercial linkages between India, the UAE and the wider region.

Context and economic backdrop

Organisers positioned the summit against a complex global backdrop: geopolitical tensions, trade disruptions and economic uncertainty, balanced by resilience in the Middle East and the GCC. The Congress agenda sought to translate that resilience into concrete capital flows by prioritising infrastructure, diversification and technology-led industries. Attendees debated how capital can be channelled into projects that advance both growth and sustainability.

Outlook

As AIM Congress 2026 continues through 9 September, immediate expectations include follow‑up memoranda and business delegations converting exploratory talks into investment commitments, particularly between Gulf investors and Indian states. For LuLu Group, the meetings with Dr. Mohan Yadav and other state representatives signal a continued push to deepen trade and investment ties with India. The summit’s focus on new investment pathways and sustainable, inclusive growth positions the UAE as a convening point for capital seeking regional diversification and strategic geographic connectivity.