Madhya Pradesh is looking to make a major push for investment, employment and tourism as state Chief Minister (CM) Dr Mohan Yadav has embarked on a three-day visit to Dubai to attend the global Annual Investment Meeting (AIM Congress-2026).

CM Dr Yadav will be in Dubai from September 6 to 9, where he will participate in the prestigious investment forum and hold investment discussions under the ‘Invest Madhya Pradesh-2026’ initiative. The visit is being viewed as an important opportunity for the state to attract investments worth thousands of crores of rupees and strengthen its position as a global investment destination.

A global platform for investment

AIM Congress is regarded as one of the world’s largest investment platforms and is held under the patronage of Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. This year’s event will take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from September 7 to 9.

The previous edition saw nearly 15,800 delegates from 181 countries, including nine heads of state and 74 ministers, with 47 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) signed. More than 20,000 delegates from over 180 countries are expected to participate this year.

The event brings governments, major investors, sovereign wealth funds and global corporations together to explore investment opportunities.

Meetings with global business giants

CM Dr Yadav is visiting Dubai at the invitation of AIM Congress President and UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi. The visit will also mark the beginning of preparations for the Global Investors Summit (GIS) 2027, which is scheduled to be held in Bhopal.

During his stay, the chief minister is expected to hold one-to-one meetings with prominent investors and companies. The presence of a large number of global investors under one roof offers Madhya Pradesh an opportunity to showcase its economic potential and attract investment more efficiently.

The visit will focus particularly on investment opportunities. An invitation-only ‘Tycoons’ programme is expected to bring together around 500 sovereign wealth funds, family offices and prominent business leaders. Separate meetings and ‘Invest in Madhya Pradesh’ sessions are also planned with companies and business groups including DP World, VFS Global, Emaar, Choythram and Sharaf Group KGK.

From food exports to urban development

Madhya Pradesh will also highlight its agricultural and food-processing strengths. Dubai imports more than 85% of its food requirements. In 2024, the UAE imported food worth around $16.2 billion, a 13.7% increase over the previous year.

With nearly 89% of the UAE’s population comprising expatriates, including a large Indian community, demand for Indian grains, pulses and processed food remains strong.

According to the Economic Survey 2025-26, Madhya Pradesh ranks first in the country in pulses and maize production, second in grains with a 13.04% share, and second in wheat with a 20.78% share. Known as the ‘Soy State’, Madhya Pradesh also accounts for around 60% of India’s soybean production. A meeting with Lulu Group’s Yusuff Ali M.A. is expected to explore ways of converting this potential into concrete business opportunities.

Farmers and cities could be major beneficiaries

A stable export market such as Dubai could help farmers secure better prices for their produce while encouraging investment in cold chains, grading facilities and food processing.

The state also hopes to attract foreign direct investment and international expertise for urban development. A meeting with Emaar and a visit to Burj Khalifa are part of the itinerary, with cities such as Indore, Bhopal, Ujjain, Gwalior and Jabalpur being positioned for potential investment in smart infrastructure, townships and commercial projects.

The government expects the Dubai outreach to strengthen Madhya Pradesh’s global identity, provide momentum to GIS-2027 preparations and open new avenues for investment, employment, exports and tourism.