Dubai-India trade more than doubles to Dh222.5b in a decade, up 35% since CEPA

Dubai: Dubai's non-oil trade with India more than doubled over the past decade to a record Dh222.5 billion in 2025, as investment flows and the number of Indian businesses operating in the emirate also increased.

Trade grew 136.2% from Dh94.2 billion in 2016 and rose 15% in 2025, according to figures released by Dubai Chambers on Monday. India is Dubai's second-largest trading partner.

Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, disclosed the figures during a panel session at The Economic Times World Leaders Forum 2026 in New Delhi, attended by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Investment has also flowed in both directions. Dubai attracted about Dh32.3 billion from India between 2016 and 2025, including Dh8.4 billion in foreign direct investment last year.

Dubai-based companies invested Dh34.1 billion across 147 projects in India over the same decade, contributing to the creation of 55,274 jobs.

A further 7,579 Indian companies joined Dubai Chamber of Commerce during the first half of 2026, taking the number registered as active members to 85,841 at the end of June, up 15% year on year.

“The confidence of the Indian business community in the growth opportunities offered by Dubai is reflected in the 7,579 new Indian companies that joined Dubai Chamber of Commerce during the first half of this year,” Lootah said.

“These figures demonstrate that Indian companies increasingly view Dubai as a global hub from which to develop their international operations and expand their investments. They also reflect the Indian business community’s strong confidence in Dubai and its future growth prospects.”

Trade and services account for 45% of active Indian companies registered with the chamber. Real estate, leasing and business services represent 27.3%, followed by construction at 19%.

The UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement came into effect in May 2022, reducing trade barriers and improving market access for businesses in both countries.

Since then, Dubai's non-oil trade with India has increased 35%, according to Dubai Chambers.

The relationship is also expanding into areas including Agentic AI, deep technology, fintech and digital services.

Dubai Chambers is developing specialised training pathways and incubators for companies working in Agentic AI as part of an initiative to accelerate private-sector adoption of the technology.

The chamber said this could create opportunities for Indian technology companies to establish operations in Dubai, develop solutions and form partnerships with businesses in the emirate.

Lootah said emerging technologies are expected to play a greater role in commercial cooperation between Dubai and India, opening new areas for investment and business development.