The consulate will be located either in the state capital or the port city of Kochi where the UAE has a huge business interest after the launch of D.P. World's international container transshipment terminal and the SmartCity Kochi promoted by Dubai's Tecom Investments.

The decision was taken at a meeting between Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and UAE’s Ambassador Mohammed Sultan Abdalla Al-Owais here Monday in the presence of Nonresident Keralite Affairs Minister K.C. Joseph, Industries Minister P.K. Kunhalikkutty and Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry Director Yusuffali MA.

Al-Owais who called on the chief minister at his chamber in the state legislative assembly also gave him an official letter for facilitating it. Chandy said the official announcement has to come from the federal government while E. Ahamed, the junior foreign minister in charge of the West Asia, said at another venue that it was a matter of time.

“The office of the chief minister will decide on details like the location of the consulate. We always give preference to promoting businesses,” said the ambassador. “Investors from the UAE are keen to invest in the state,” he said.

Al-Owais sought the chief minister’s support for the low-cost Fly Dubai airline to start operations from Kerala at the earliest.