Dubai is rapidly establishing itself as a global wealth hub, and for the millions of non-resident Indians (NRIs) across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the opportunity to invest in India’s equity markets has never been more compelling. India’s stock market has emerged as one of the most resilient and fastest-growing globally, driven by structural reforms, a thriving digital economy, and robust domestic consumption. For NRIs in the GCC, who collectively manage significant investable wealth, allocating a meaningful portion of their portfolios to India is becoming increasingly urgent.
Industry experts argue that India is no longer just a growth story; it is a ‘compounding story.’ This sentiment will take center stage at the Cafemutual Investment Summit 2025, scheduled for November 20 at Dubai’s Dusit Thani Hotel. The invite-only event aims to decode opportunities and risks for NRIs seeking exposure to India’s dynamic investment landscape.
Prem Khatri, Founder and CEO of Cafemutual, emphasizes the shift: ‘NRIs and global Indians are increasingly recognizing that their portfolios need a meaningful India allocation to capture the structural shift underway. Our summit is designed to bridge the knowledge gap and provide practical insights that can immediately translate into sharper client outcomes.’
The 2025 edition will feature distinguished investment leaders and industry experts, including Jignesh Desai, Co-Founder of NJ Group, Madhu Lunawat, Founder, MD & CEO of The Wealth Company Mutual Fund, and Neil Parikh, CEO of PPFAS, among others. Dubai-based wealth leaders will also headline special sessions on the future of wealth, the NRI ecosystem, and cross-border opportunities.
Key sessions include ‘Mutual Funds for NRIs: The Core of a Long-Term India Portfolio,’ ‘Smart Simplicity: Winning in India Without Overcomplication,’ and ‘Future-Proof Portfolios: Blending Global & Indian Assets.’ For NRIs in the GCC, mutual funds offer a simple yet effective route to participate in India’s growth without the complexity of direct stock picking. With India’s GDP projected to maintain strong momentum and sectors like technology, manufacturing, and financial services driving market performance, experts believe disciplined exposure through professionally managed funds can deliver superior risk-adjusted returns.
Dubai’s emergence as a hub for international wealth adds another layer of opportunity. As Khatri notes, ‘Bringing India’s most respected investment minds to Dubai creates a unique, high-impact platform for dialogue, learning, and collaboration.’ For NRIs balancing global aspirations with Indian roots, the message is clear: the time to act is now. India’s markets are not just growing — they are compounding, and those who position early stand to benefit from a structural story that could define wealth creation for decades.