Global capital meets Dubai: Yusuff Ali discusses the changing map of investment at AIM Congress 2026
Dubai: The 15th edition of AIM Congress 2026, one of the world's leading investment platforms, opened today at the Dubai World Trade Centre, bringing together senior government leaders, policymakers, global investors and prominent business leaders from across the world.
The three-day Congress, being held from 7–9 September, provides a global platform to explore new investment opportunities, strengthen economic partnerships and address the rapidly evolving international investment landscape.
Yusuff Ali M.A., Chairman of LuLu Group International, attended the opening and joined global business and government leaders at the Congress. He also participated in a high-level panel discussion on the changing geography of global investment, sharing perspectives from his experience of building LuLu into one of the region's leading retail groups with a significant international footprint. Yusuff Ali highlighted the UAE's stability, openness, world-class infrastructure and investor-friendly environment, and the growing importance of the GCC as a destination for international investment and as a strategic economic bridge connecting Asia, Africa, Europe and the wider world.
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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 is being organised under the theme “Reshaping Global Prosperity: Unlocking New Investment Pathways Towards a Sustainable and Inclusive Future.” The Congress comes at an important juncture for the global economy.
Despite recent geopolitical tensions, disruptions to trade and supply chains and wider economic uncertainty, the Middle East and the GCC have demonstrated strong resilience and economic confidence, supported by continued investment in infrastructure, economic diversification, technology and new industries. The UAE, in particular, continues to strengthen its position as a globally connected hub for capital, trade, talent and enterprise.
India has a strong presence at this year's AIM Congress, with high-level government and business delegations representing several Indian states. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav is leading a prominent delegation from the state, alongside ministers and delegations representing Punjab, Bihar and Odisha, reinforcing the growing engagement between India and the UAE in trade, investment and economic cooperation. The participation of Indian state governments and the wider trade and business fraternity is also showcasing investment opportunities across sectors including retail, food processing, agriculture, logistics, manufacturing, infrastructure, technology and tourism.
On the sidelines of the Congress, Yusuff Ali and senior LuLu Group officials held high-level discussions with Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav and members of the state delegation, exploring opportunities for investment and greater trade and business cooperation. LuLu officials also held discussions with representatives of other participating Indian states. With substantial investments and an expanding retail presence in India, alongside its extensive retail and sourcing network across the GCC, LuLu Group continues to play an important role in strengthening investment and trade linkages between India, the UAE and the wider region.