New Delhi, August 28: Economic and trade relations between Dubai and India are strengthening continuously. According to a report by Mohammed Ali Rashid Loota, President of Dubai Chambers, the number of registered Indian companies as active members of the Dubai Chamber reached 85,841 by the end of June 2026. In the first half of 2026 alone, 7,579 new Indian companies joined the Dubai Chamber, reflecting a 15% increase compared to the previous year.
As reported by Dubai-based publication Arabian Business, there has been consistent expansion in trade relations between the two economies. Loota noted that non-oil trade between India and Dubai reached a record $60.6 billion in 2025, which is a 15% increase year-on-year.
He stated that from 2016 to 2025, Dubai attracted approximately $8.8 billion in investments from India, with $2.3 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) recorded in 2025 alone. This trend showcases the growing global expansion of Indian companies and their trust in Dubai.
Investment has not been one-sided; Dubai companies have also made significant investments in India. The report indicates that between 2016 and 2025, Dubai companies invested $9.3 billion in India through 147 projects, creating 55,274 job opportunities.
Loota further mentioned that bilateral trade between the two parties has increased by 136.2% over the past decade. Trade, which was valued at $25.6 billion in 2016, has now surpassed $60 billion, making India Dubai’s second-largest trading partner.
He emphasized that the relationship between Dubai and India is evolving in response to changing business needs, with trade remaining the core foundation of this partnership. However, collaboration is now extending beyond traditional sectors to include new technologies and the digital economy.
According to Loota, cooperation in future-oriented areas such as AI, the digital economy, and technological innovation is rapidly increasing. A significant number of Indian companies are choosing Dubai as their operational hub for expansion into the Middle East, Africa, and other global markets.
He stated, “These figures reflect the strong confidence of the Indian business community in Dubai and its future growth opportunities.”
The report also highlighted that Dubai provides Indian companies with easy access to markets in the Middle East, Africa, and beyond. Its world-class infrastructure, excellent connectivity, competitive business environment, and direct access to investors and customers are its key features.
Loota also mentioned that the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) has played a crucial role in reducing trade barriers, improving market access, and opening new growth opportunities between the two countries. According to him, this agreement has helped businesses in both countries become more competitive and active on a global scale.
Leave a Comment