Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s decision to launch its UAE investment roadshow next week was driven by a sense of urgency as rival states stepped up overseas investor outreach programmes, forcing the state to fast-track its engagement with global investors, industries department officials said.“The timing is extremely important. We were planning it for December, but when we saw competition emerging and other states already starting their outreach, we felt we would lose out if we did not move now,” additional chief secretary (Industries) Hemant Sharma said.The three-day roadshow, led by chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi, will be held from Sept 9 to 11 in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The visit comes close on the heels of Madhya Pradesh’s investment outreach programme in the UAE scheduled from Sept 6 to 8.Sharma said Odisha will focus on five key sectors during the visit: Mining and metallurgy, chemicals and petrochemicals, port-based logistics, data centres and sovereign fund investments.Mining and metallurgy, particularly green steel, green aluminium, ferrochrome, rare earths and critical minerals, will be the state’s top priority. “While domestic investments are flowing into the sector, foreign direct investment remains limited despite it being Odisha’s biggest strength,” Sharma told TOI.Petroleum, chemicals and petrochemicals will be another area of focus, with Odisha leveraging its proximity to West Asian supply chains for limestone, phosphates and ammonia handled through Paradip Port. The state will also pitch opportunities in port-led logistics, including development prospects at Dhamra, Paradip, Subarnarekha and Astaranga, and the possibility of export-oriented industrial parks catering to Gulf markets.Emerging sectors such as data centres and digital infrastructure will also be highlighted. Sharma said Odisha’s coastal location offers potential for cable landing facilities and future data localisation opportunities. The state will additionally seek investments in renewable energy equipment and related manufacturing.A major focus of the visit will be engagement with sovereign wealth funds and institutional investors from the UAE. Odisha plans to showcase around 30 investable projects, including shipbuilding and ship repair facilities, port infrastructure, chemical and rare earth parks, coal corridors and slurry pipeline projects. The state is encouraging participation through equity investments alongside existing industrial partners.According to Sharma, confirmations have already been received from several UAE-based investment entities, with the state targeting meetings with around 30 investors and fund houses. The itinerary includes engagements with sovereign funds, aluminium major Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), petrochemical companies and Indian business groups in the UAE.While Odisha hopes to secure investment commitments and MoUs in the identified sectors, Sharma said the primary objective is to build awareness about the state’s industrial potential and attract investor interest. “Odisha has big opportunities and we are ready for business,” he said.He added that amid global uncertainties and supply chain disruptions, India is increasingly being viewed by international companies as a stable investment destination and a critical part of their diversification strategy. “Everybody wants a presence in India. Our effort is to ensure some of those investments come to Odisha,” Sharma said.