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UAE Minister Joins ‘Year of Community Run’ in Kerala, Strengthening Economic Ties With India

By Buthayna El Haggar

In a display of diplomatic and cultural engagement, UAE Minister of Economy Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri joined the Year of Community Run at Kannur Beach, Kerala, on February 23, 2025.

The event, part of the 8th Edition of the Kannur Beach Run, emphasized inclusivity, public well-being, and the UAE’s commitment to global community-building.

Al Marri’s participation was timed with his visit to the Invest Kerala Global Summit, amplifying the UAE’s growing interest in economic partnerships with India.

UAE’s ‘Year of Community’ Initiative Takes Center Stage at Indian Business Event

via UAE Year of Community

The Year of Community Run was organized by the North Malabar Chamber of Commerce to align with the UAE’s 2025 national theme, “The Year of Community,” launched by President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, according to ANI News.

This initiative encourages social responsibility through community service, volunteering, and initiatives that foster social cohesion.

Minister Al Marri completed the 5-kilometer run alongside VPS Healthcare Chairman Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil and over 100 participants. The event was officially inaugurated by AN Shamseer, Speaker of the Kerala Legislative Assembly.

UAE Expands Investments in Kerala: ₹5,000 Crore Commitment by Sharaf Group

via Swarajya

Beyond cultural diplomacy, the UAE’s economic commitments to Kerala were another focal point of Al Marri’s visit. At the Invest Kerala Global Summit 2025, Minister Al Marri discussed the UAE’s commitment to expanding investments in Kerala’s tourism, healthcare, food processing, and technology sectors.

A major highlight was the Sharaf Group, a UAE-based logistics and shipping conglomerate, announcing a ₹5,000 crore investment in Kerala. This follows a trend of increasing UAE economic engagement in India, further cementing ties between the two nations.

UAE’s Soft Diplomacy: Community Engagement as an Investment Tool

via Arabian Business

The UAE’s approach to diplomacy goes beyond trade deals; it’s about building trust and deeper connections. Events like the Kannur Beach Run highlight how cultural engagement complements economic investment, making partnerships more meaningful.

The UAE has been a key economic ally for India, with bilateral trade growing by 16.41% in the 2022-2023 fiscal year, according to India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

This strategy isn’t new. The 2022 Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) was designed to push UAE-India trade to $100 billion within five years.

By showing up in boardrooms and public events, the UAE strengthens its role as a reliable and engaged partner in South Asia. As it continues expanding its economic footprint in India, it expects cultural diplomacy to remain at the heart of its global strategy.

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Buthayna El Haggar

A curious wanderer and neurodivergent polymath from Egypt, Buthayna is a writer, translator, and researcher passionate about storytelling through performance arts and expressive writing. A biophilic at heart, she finds solace in the sensory joys of food and music, often escaping into realms of imagination through films and literature. She is multilingual and she treasures authentic connections with those who seek growth and self-awareness, even as she often prefers the company of solitude.

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