Srinagar (Jammu & Kashmir) [India] : Mr. Faizal E. Kottikollon, Dubai-based entrepreneur, philanthropist, and Chairman of the UAE India Business Council - UAE Chapter (UIBC-UC), along with Kshitij Korde, Head of Corporate Affairs, UIBC-UC, called on the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Omar Abdullah, in a landmark meeting that brought together leadership and vision.
This meeting was held on the sidelines of two key events in Srinagar - the inauguration of the transformed Middle School Block at Government Girls Higher Secondary School (GGHSS) Kothibagh, and the launch of a UIBC-UC research paper, “Bridging Horizons: UAE-India Partnership and the Future of Education-led Development.”
These events collectively underscore the growing momentum of Indo-UAE collaboration in social development, particularly in education and healthcare. The Chief Minister lauded the DREAM School initiative of the Faizal & Shabana Foundation (FSF), describing it as “a shining example of what visionary philanthropy and government partnership can achieve.”
The Kothibagh DREAM School, initiated following Mr. Kottikollon’s 2023 visit to Srinagar as part of a UIBC-UC delegation, stands as a testament to his steadfast commitment since that landmark year, a commitment that has continued to shape and strengthen Indo-UAE socio-developmental cooperation.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah recently said, “No amount of infrastructure development, be it roads, power projects, or commercial complexes, can substitute for quality healthcare and education. These are the true pillars of J&K’s progress and prosperity.”
Mr Kottikollon also presented the Chief Minister with a copy of the research paper launched earlier and a copy of “Opening Gateways – Tourism Opportunities India-UAE,” a visually stunning coffee table book celebrating the growing tourism ties between India and the UAE. Jammu and Kashmir is highlighted in the book as a tourism magnet for the country, with the untapped potential of human capital development in J&K mentioned in the paper.
Mr. Kottikollon, whose foundation has transformed over 900 schools across India under its PRISM framework, expressed gratitude for the Chief Minister’s support and reaffirmed his long-term commitment to J&K’s development.
“It was an honour to call on the Hon’ble Chief Minister and seek his guidance on strengthening the Indo-UAE corridor,” said Mr. Kottikollon. “Education and healthcare are not just priorities but bridges that connect communities and create lasting impact.”
The meeting also explored new avenues of collaboration, including the proposed 40 K–12 school transformation program across J&K and a potential partnership to upgrade existing government healthcare institutions, aligning with the region’s focus on patient safety and holistic wellness.
Mr. Kottikollon also invited the Chief Minister to lead a J&K delegation to the UAE to further
dialogue on cross-border investment and knowledge exchange, whilst also extending a special invitation to visit Tulah Wellness Sanctuary, his integrative wellness venture in Kerala.
The school opening in Srinagar, where Lt. Governor Shri Manoj Sinha was chief guest, was attended by members of the UIBC-UC delegation and marks a significant milestone in Indo-UAE cooperation, showcasing how public-private partnerships can transform the educational and social landscape of Jammu & Kashmir.
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