The UAE-India Economic Forum (UIEF) 2017 concluded in Dubai on Thursday, shifting bilateral economic and commercial relations between the two countries to the next level.

The UIEF focused on the bilateral benefits of the increased collaboration in investment, trade, technology, renewable energy, healthcare, infrastructure, ports, banking and finance, and tourism between the UAE and India. The third edition of the annual forum also conferred Qadat Al Tagheer Awards to prominent business leaders from India and the UAE.

Speaking on the topic entitled 'Hyperloop is Real', Harj Dhaliwal, managing director for the Middle East and India at Hyperloop One, focused on eliminating the barriers of distance and time with Hyperloop One rebalancing economies and enabling people, goods and services to move faster. "The Hyperloop system will grab a substantial share of the transport and logistics sector with the ability to travel between the states in the GCC region in under an hour, traveling at speeds of 1,080 kilometres per hour."

Karuna Gopal, president of the Foundation for Futuristic Cities, discussed about creating a robust business ecosystem to though smart cities. "Technology influences the world positively, and its power is shaping the future of the world. But tech solutions should make life more meaningful and productive with innovations bringing joy to lives of people. Technology is also a double-edged sword requiring more human awareness and alertness. There is enormous value that technology can bring to humanity but it also has the power to dehumanise the human kind," she said.

"The UAE is on its successful path of economic diversification. There is a lot of scope to do that economic diversification trough smart cities. This is not merely through technology or investments, but through extreme collaboration for cutting edge innovation in healthcare, climate protection and new-age businesses. Has a unique opportunity to do that due to its very tall towers and densely-packed and physical proximity of people that will allow creative interactions leading to innovation."

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