SCCI, ECS announce ‘Come On Kerala' to kick off on May 9
Held under the generous patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the exhibition will take place from May 9 to 11 at Expo Centre Sharjah.
'Come On Kerala', organized by Gulf Madhyamam newspaper in collaboration with the Sharjah Chamber, stands as the largest Indian international trade fair in the Middle East and a leading platform celebrating Indian culture, with a particular focus on the state of Kerala.
This announcement was made during a press conference held at Expo Centre Sharjah, attended by Abdul Aziz Al Shamsi, Assistant Director-General for Communication and Business Sector at SCCI, and Jamal Bouzanjal, Director of Corporate Communication at SCCI.
Also present were Sultan Mohammed Al Omrani, Commercial Director at Expo Centre Sharjah; Marwan Al Mashghouni, Director of Government Communications at Expo Centre Sharjah, and Muhammad Rafeeq, Global Head of Madhyamam Business Operations, along with representatives of organizing and supporting entities, prominent figures, and media professionals.
During the press conference, it was announced that this year's expo will feature over 300 commercial exhibitors,
alongside government entities and a lineup of leading private sector companies from both the UAE and India. The event is anticipated to attract more than 275,000 visitors.
In his remarks, Abdulaziz Al Shamsi emphasized that the Sharjah Chamber's support for the exhibition aligns with its strategic vision to enhance the emirate's business ecosystem and strengthen its global economic ties.
Given that India is a major strategic trade partner of the UAE, the exhibition, which continues to achieve consistent success, provides an ideal and sustainable platform to connect Sharjah's business community with its counterparts in India, particularly in Kerala. It aims to foster mutual investment opportunities, uncover promising ventures, and facilitate commercial partnerships.
For his part, Jamal Bouzanjal noted that the "Come On Kerala" exhibition stands out as a catalyst for trade and investment exchange.
By attracting a significant number of entrepreneurs, investors, and companies from vital economic sectors, the exhibition offers unique opportunities to explore areas of collaboration, forge strategic partnerships, and promote Indian products and services across the region. At the same time, it introduces the Indian business community to the promising opportunities available in Sharjah.
Sultan Mohammed Al Omrani stated that Expo Centre Sharjah has finalized all arrangements for hosting the "Come On Kerala" exhibition, ensuring the provision of all necessary facilities and spaces to deliver a competitive and seamless experience for exhibitors and visitors alike.
'This year's edition is expected to play a key role in enhancing UAE-India relations and further cementing Sharjah's position as a leading regional and global hub for exhibition and conference industry,' he added.
The 7th edition of "Come On Kerala" exhibition will feature more than 20 diverse cultural and entertainment programs, including live performances by prominent Bollywood celebrities ncluding Indian superstar Mohanlal superstar Mohanlal and actress Priya Mani.
The agenda also encompasses a variety of family-friendly activities and experiences that authentically reflect the ambiance of Kerala, with exhibition spaces designed to replicate the state's most famous landmarks and attractions.
Entrepreneurs from India and the UAE will display their innovations covering key sectors including healthcare, tourism, education, retail, and interior design. The fair is also set to provide an exceptional platform for forging partnerships, sharing expertise, and unveiling new products and innovations.
'Come On Kerala' exhibition continues to uphold its reputation as an integrated destination that appeals to a broad and diverse audience, including entrepreneurs, investors, the Indian diaspora, families, and cultural enthusiasts.
Beyond its commercial focus, the exhibition offers an array of cultural and entertainment activities such as traditional Keralite cuisine festivals, family and children-oriented competitions in cooking and painting, in addition to music and fashion shows
with prizes awarded to outstanding participants and top performers.
These elements position the exhibition as a leading and all-encompassing platform that combines business networking with cultural engagement, further reinforcing its position as the largest Indian festival in the region and a vital bridge of communication between the UAE and India.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arabian Post
2 hours ago
- Arabian Post
RBI's Latest Monetary Policy Exudes Over Confidence And High Optimism
By Anjan Roy The new governor of the Reserve Bank, Sanjay Malhotra, has taken to monetary policy formulation and the world of finance like fish to water. Within a short period of his taking over, Malhotra has got into his charge with a refreshing confidence. RBI's monetary policy, announced on Friday June 6, is surprisingly breezy and introduces a reset policy with aplomb. He says he has worked on the basis of a 5x3x3 matrix. That starts on a new and quite optimistic note. He states: 'This 5x3x3 matrix of fundamentals provides the necessary core strength to cushion the Indian economy against global spillovers and propel it to grow at a faster pace.' The fundamental point is that the Indian economy presents 'a picture of strength, stability and opportunity'. What are these. First, according to RBI, the strong balance sheets of five sectors, namely, corporates, banks, households, government and external sector. Second, there is stability on all three fronts – price, financial, and political – providing policy and economic certainty in this dynamically evolving global economic order. Third, the Indian economy offers immense opportunities to investors through 3Ds – demography, digitalisation and domestic demand On the basis of these fundamentals, Malhotra has delivered a blockbuster combination of a 50 basis point reduction in repo rate and 100 bps reduction in CRR. With the back to back reductions in repo rates since February 2025, the total cut in repo rate would be 1.50 per cent. The cut in CRR would release primary liquidity of about ₹2.5 lakh crore to the banking system by December 2025. Besides providing durable liquidity, it will reduce the cost of funding of the banks, thereby helping in monetary policy transmission to the credit market. No finance minister could have expected a more helpful monetary policy move for easing his burden. Currently, the US president is fighting a daily battle with the US Federal Reserve chairman asking for a cut in interest rates. Donald Trump had often talked of even sacking the Federal Reserve chairman. An earlier finance minister had asked for cuts in interest rates for providing fresh impetus to the economy. However, the RBI governor, Subba Rao, had then refused to yield and there ensued a tussle between the finance minister and the RBI governor. For now, with so many upfront concessions, Reserve Bank seems to have exhausted its arsenal of policy tools. In case, things go a little wrong, the RBI would not be in a position to directly intervene with fresh policy tinkering. RBI has admitted its helplessness in an unforeseen emergency. The governor has admitted that 'under the current circumstances, monetary policy is left with very limited space to support growth.' Hence, the MPC also decided to change its stance from accommodative to neutral. From here onwards, the MPC will be carefully assessing the incoming data and the evolving outlook to chart out the future course of monetary policy in order to strike the right growth-inflation balance. In a way, the Reserve Bank seems to have disregarded one of the received wisdoms of traditional macroeconomics — the so-called Philips' Curve. That is, the growth (employment) inflation dynamics where the two does not go in tango mostly. To maintain high growth, you might be compromised with some faster inflation and vice versa. Malhotra seems to have taken his position that in India, you can have faster growth at the same time with stable or low inflation. Listen to Malhotra's position on the growth-inflation dynamics: 'I would like to highlight that there is no tussle between price stability and growth in the medium and long term. Price stability preserves purchasing power, imparts certainty to households and businesses in their savings and investment decisions and ensures congenial interest rate and financial conditions, all of which foster consumption, investment and overall activity.' We hope to be in a virtuous circles of demand, investment, growth and ever expanding supply line for maintaining a sable price level. I case of a sudden break in the cycle and then a flagging one of in the chain, the virtuous cycle can get reversed when corrective measures would be needed. It will be then the responsibility of the government to step in rather than expect the RBI to do the heavy-lifting. These thoughts would admittedly be those of a nay-sayer, who would be the unwelcome guest in the room. But some such possibilities shouldn't be altogether ruled out in an uncertain world like ours, particularly when you have Donald Trump as the president of the United States, which is the largest economy and sets the tone for the global economy. Such a situation would really transfer the responsibility of further encouraging growth to the fiscal sector. That is, the government would be required to move in quickly to further encourage growth and buoyancy. Will the next budget be synchronised with the current monetary policy stance and introduce at least some measures for a leg up to growth. (IPA Service)
Gulf Business
2 hours ago
- Gulf Business
Insights: Gulf ports face new security challenges as trade ambitions accelerate
Image: Supplied Ports have evolved beyond their role as trade gateways. Today, they stand as critical pillars of national resilience and economic continuity. In the modern-world, where over 80 per cent of global trade moves by sea and the Gulf plays a central role in global energy and logistics, port security should not be viewed as a cost or a compliance exercise. It must be treated as a vital economic enabler. Without strong and modern security, the Gulf's ambitions to lead in manufacturing, trade, and supply chain integration will remain a challenge. At the recent 'Make it in the Emirates' forum, the UAE laid out a bold industrial vision. Officials highlighted that local manufacturers can now access a global market of 2.5 billion people. Free zones, re-export hubs, and logistics corridors powered by ports including The threat landscape is escalating Port security has moved far beyond fences and surveillance cameras. Today, it involves tackling everything from phishing attempts and cyber intrusions to insider threats and the growing risk posed by smuggling, irregular migration, modern-day slavery and autonomous drones. According to the Center for Internet Security, malware-based attacks rose by 30 per cent in the first half of 2024, with a staggering 92 per cent increase recorded in May alone. These figures are not abstract. They represent very real risks that port operators face daily while trying to maintain efficient operations. Rising geopolitical tensions, from unrest in the Red Sea to broader regional flashpoints, are putting new pressure on Gulf ports. Ensuring their resilience is no longer just about protecting trade. It is now central to national security and regional stability. Compliance is the starting line, not the finish Most Gulf ports meet the basic international security standards under the ISPS Code. But that is not enough. Compliance provides a framework, not a solution. Too often, operators treat it as a checklist rather than a foundation. True resilience requires a different mindset. Port security should not be seen as an obstacle to trade but as a core pillar of competitiveness.. Jebel Ali Port is a leading example. Its global reputation was not earned by simply meeting minimum standards. Its success is the result of ongoing risk assessments, continuous training, and a proactive approach to every aspect of security – particularly in its adoption of technology and its integration into its production primacy approach. This is a model that other ports in the region can learn from and adapt. Integration is the future of security Modern ports function as complex ecosystems. They bring together free zones, logistics providers, customs authorities, and digital infrastructure into a single operational environment. Within this space, security must be fully integrated. Physical access control, cybersecurity protocols, intelligent surveillance, and emergency response planning all need to work together as one. Technology plays a critical role. From biometric access systems to artificial intelligence for threat detection, there are advanced tools that can help enhance security. However, these tools are only effective when guided by skilled professionals with the right training. As Bill Gates once noted, automation applied to an inefficient operation only magnifies the inefficiency. Without strong processes and capable people, even the best technology will fall short. The Gulf's advantage must be used wisely The Gulf has already demonstrated that it can deliver world-class infrastructure. The next frontier is building secure infrastructure that can adapt and evolve with emerging risks. This will require moving beyond paper-based plans and embracing real-world testing. Scenario-based exercises and crisis simulations should become standard practice. Security cannot be a one-time investment. It must be embedded into the daily culture of port operations. Governments and private sector operators must also collaborate more closely. Intelligence sharing, regional coordination, and the development of Gulf-specific security standards can raise the overall r At the heart of this transformation is human capital. The region must invest in developing a new generation of trained and trusted security professionals who understand both physical and digital threats. Security is an investment in growth A single breach at a Gulf port would do more than delay containers. It could disrupt entire supply chains, shake investor confidence, and damage the region's reputation as a dependable trade partner. In a global economy driven by trust, security is no longer optional. It is a non-negotiable investment in sustainable growth. One of the Gulf's strengths lies in its ability to build with foresight. Unlike older ports that are burdened with legacy systems, Gulf ports can design modern security architecture from day one. The UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman have already begun this journey by introducing smart surveillance systems, AI-driven monitoring, and integrated command centers. These are promising steps, but more must be done. A final question for the region Port security should not be treated as a side function or a technical afterthought. It is central to growth, to national strength, and to the region's future as a global trade and industrial hub. The Gulf can lead not just in port development but in redefining what secure, resilient trade infrastructure looks like for the rest of the world. As the region accelerates toward a more industrial and interconnected future, one question must be asked. Are we just expanding our ports, or are we securing our prosperity? The answer will determine how far and how smart, secure, and geen the Gulf travels on the path to economic leadership. The writer is the CEO at Neptune P2P Group.
Gulf Today
6 hours ago
- Gulf Today
Dubai-based Indian karting prodigy Atiqa joins professional motorsport programme
Atiqa Mir, a 10-year-old Dubai-based Indian karting prodigy has become the youngest driver from the region to secure a place in a professional motorsport development programme, following her signing as an official AKCEL GP Academy driver. This landmark move signals a powerful shift in motorsport accessibility and diversity, reinforcing the UAE's commitment to nurturing next-generation talent and establishing itself as a global hub for motorsport excellence. A rising star in the karting circuit, Atiqa has already made a name for herself with her fearless driving, consistent podium finishes, and an unwavering passion for racing. She has competed in some of the world's most prestigious karting championships, including the Rotax Euro Trophy, Rotax International Trophy, IAME Series (UAE and Europe), WSK Euro Series, WSK Super Master Series, and the Champions of the Future Academy. The timing of this partnership aligns with the official launch of the AKCEL GP Academy—the cornerstone development initiative of AKCEL GP, the UAE-based high-performance motorsport team competing in FIA F4, Formula Regional Middle East Championship, and FIA F3. Opening in Abu Dhabi in August 2025, the Academy will serve as a cutting-edge training ground for the next generation of racing talent from the UAE and abroad. The Academy's inaugural batch will feature 15 promising young drivers and is committed to offering a structured and competitive pathway beginning with elite karting championships and advancing through the ranks of single-seater racing. Speaking on Atiqa's signing, Amit Kaushal, Group Chairman of AKCEL Group, said, 'Atiqa's talent, focus, and composure on track are well beyond her years. We're proud to welcome her to the AKCEL GP family and support her long-term journey toward Formula 1. Over the next 15 years, we're committed to guiding her development from karting to single-seaters as she grows into a world-class racer and future F1 contender.' As Atiqa begins her training in Abu Dhabi, she will follow a carefully structured development program designed to prepare young drivers for the demands of professional motorsport. Her training will combine simulator sessions, physical conditioning, mental coaching, race craft development, and in-depth performance analysis. A key focus of her time with AKCEL GP Academy will be competing in championships across the UAE and Europe, providing her with essential on-track experience and exposure to high-level competition early in her career. The goal is to lay a strong foundation of skills, discipline, and racecraft with a clear vision: Formula 1 as the ultimate destination. Reflecting on this new chapter in her journey, Atiqa said, 'Racing is everything to me. It's where I feel strong, fast, and free. Joining AKCEL GP Academy is a dream come true, and I want to show young girls like me from Dubai and India that we can compete at the highest levels. One day, I hope to race in Formula 1, and I'm ready to work hard to get there.' The UAE's support for motorsport development has grown rapidly over the past decade. The nation is home to internationally acclaimed circuits such as Yas Marina in Abu Dhabi and Dubai Autodrome and hosts one of the most prestigious events on the racing calendar, the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
