The great Indian opportunity

For many decades, Indian entrepreneurs seeking to make their fortune looked to the UAE, eager to take advantage of its potential as a global trading hub.

But in the past 12 months, a steady stream of investment has been flowing in the opposite direction. UAE-based property developers and retailers are keen to exploit India's 8.1 per cent economic growth (2005-06), a booming India real estate sector, and a wealthy middle class expected to constitute 30 per cent of the population by 2010.