KJ George Courts UAE Kannadiga Investors for Karnataka Tourism, Highlights PPP Opportunities Across Key Segments
Dubai/Bengaluru: Karnataka Energy and Tourism Minister K.J. George has invited Kannadiga entrepreneurs and investors based in the UAE to participate in the state’s next phase of tourism, infrastructure and economic growth, assuring government support for serious investment proposals.
Addressing 65 prominent Kannadiga entrepreneurs representing more than 20 sectors at the ‘Invest in Karnataka – NRI Business Community Meet, Dubai 2026’, George said Karnataka offered significant opportunities for global investors and that the government was prepared to facilitate viable proposals and help translate them into projects.
The interaction, organised by the Karnataka NRI Forum UAE, brought together entrepreneurs, investors and senior representatives of the Karnataka government for discussions on tourism, business, infrastructure, connectivity and potential commercial partnerships.
“Kannadigas across the world have built successful enterprises and strong global businesses. We want that entrepreneurial strength to connect more closely with Karnataka,” George said.
He said the government would extend necessary support to investors and assist in developing strong proposals into implementable projects.
Tourism Secretary Dr. Ram Prasath Manohar presented Karnataka’s tourism potential and outlined investment opportunities across a range of segments, including leisure and business tourism, medical and wellness tourism, spiritual tourism, coastal tourism and experience-based tourism.
He highlighted opportunities for both private investment and public-private partnerships, or PPPs, across these segments.
The state government is focusing on improving quality accommodation, infrastructure at tourist destinations and the overall visitor experience, while also developing new tourism products, Manohar said.
He added that the government was working to develop projects capable of attracting private-sector investment.
“Karnataka’s greatest strength is its diversity. From coastal and wellness tourism to medical, spiritual and business tourism, there are numerous opportunities that can become commercially successful,” Manohar said.
He said the department’s priority was to develop a pipeline of clear and implementable tourism projects for investors.
The Karnataka delegation at the meeting included KSTDC Chairman Srinivas M., Legislative Council member Dr. Aarthi Krishna and KSTDC Managing Director Shivaprasad P.R.
Prominent UAE-based entrepreneurs Dr. Ronald Colaco and Dr. Moideen Thumbay, along with Karnataka NRI Forum UAE president Praveen Shetty, also participated in the interaction.
Discussions covered the need to improve air, road and coastal connectivity, facilitate investments and strengthen Karnataka’s positioning before an international audience.
Participating entrepreneurs expressed interest in taking discussions on specific tourism and investment opportunities in Karnataka to the next stage, according to the release.
Praveen Shetty said engagement with overseas Kannadigas should extend beyond networking and develop into a structured mechanism connecting investors with the government.
“There is a need for a clear institutional connection between investors and the government, identified opportunities and continuous follow-up. This meeting has provided an important platform for that,” Shetty said.
Dr. Ronald Colaco said Karnataka had the potential to expand significantly as a global investment and tourism destination.
He said improved connectivity, stronger infrastructure and timely implementation could help translate that potential into investment and development.
Dr. Moideen Thumbay stressed that investors required confidence, clarity and timely government support.
He said Karnataka had significant talent and market potential and that effective government facilitation could encourage more Kannadigas living abroad to invest in the state.
The Dubai meeting was positioned as an effort to convert the economic and entrepreneurial links of the overseas Kannadiga community into investment opportunities in Karnataka, with tourism identified as one of the sectors offering scope for private investment and PPP-led development.
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