Kathmandu – Chandra Prasad Dhakal, immediate past president of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) and chairman of IME Group, has urged investors from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to explore investment opportunities in Nepal’s hydropower, tourism, agriculture and technology sectors.
Dhakal made the appeal during a meeting with UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi in Dubai on Thursday, November 12, 2026. He was visiting the UAE to participate in the RAK Investment Summit 2026 in Ras Al Khaimah.
The meeting focused on strengthening Nepal-UAE bilateral relations, expanding trade and attracting foreign investment to Nepal.
Dhakal highlighted Nepal’s potential in hydropower, tourism, agriculture, information technology and data centres. He said the country’s clean hydropower resources and relatively cool climate could make it an attractive destination for technology infrastructure and data centre development.
He also encouraged UAE investors to consider tourism infrastructure projects, including cable cars and ski resorts, as Nepal seeks to diversify its tourism offerings and attract international investment.
Both sides welcomed the approaching 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nepal and the UAE, which will be marked in 2027. Dhakal expressed support for Minister Al Zeyoudi’s proposal to organise special events to commemorate the milestone.
Dhakal emphasised the importance of continued high-level exchanges between government and private-sector representatives to strengthen economic cooperation. He also called for clearer investment policies and stronger legal frameworks, including bilateral investment agreements and arrangements to prevent double taxation.
During the discussion, Dhakal welcomed Flydubai’s reported introduction of direct flights to Pokhara International Airport and requested support for establishing direct air services to Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa.
He said direct flights to Bhairahawa would improve connectivity between the UAE and Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, while creating additional opportunities for tourism and business.
Dhakal expressed hope that the golden jubilee of Nepal-UAE diplomatic relations in 2027 would mark a new chapter in economic partnership, investment and shared prosperity between the two countries.
