Pakistan Mart set to rise in Dubai as strategic export gateway

Dubai: The Pakistan government on Wednesday announced to open a ‘Pakistan Mart’ in Dubai.

The flagship commercial and export hub will be built near Jebel Ali, Dubai. Designed to serve as a permanent showcase for Made-in-Pakistan products, the facility will provide Pakistani exporters with direct access to regional and international markets, all at zero construction cost, thanks to a strategic partnership with UAE-based logistics leader DP World, according to a handout issued by the Pakistan Press Infromation Department (PID).

The announcement came during a high-level meeting in Islamabad, where a delegation from Pakistan’s National Logistics Corporation (NLC) and DP World, led by NLC Director General, presented the project to Federal Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan. Also present were Fakhr Alam, Vice Chairman of DP World and CEO of the Pakistan Mart Project in the UAE; Rana Ihsaan Afzal, Coordinator to the Prime Minister; and Muhammad Ashraf, Executive Director General at the Ministry of Commerce.

Pakistan Mart is envisioned as a one-stop commercial platform comprising warehouses, retail units, showrooms, and e-commerce fulfilment centres to help Pakistani businesses expand their footprint in the Middle East, Africa, and beyond. The facility will allow over 500 exporters including SMEs to display and distribute their goods with minimal cost and logistical barriers.

“This is a game changer for Pakistani trade. Exporters will have a direct platform in the Gulf region, and what makes it more attractive is that no tax or fee will be imposed unless the product is sold, and only a minimum rental applies,” said Minister Jam Kamal Khan.

The Commerce Minister emphasised the potential of key Pakistani sectors including textiles, garments, surgical instruments, sports goods, food items, perishables, and nutraceuticals, which stand to benefit immensely from this international visibility.

He also highlighted the importance of integrating e-commerce and digital fulfilment solutions, to cater to the growing global demand for online trade.

The launch of Pakistan Mart marks, he added, is a strategic milestone in Pakistan’s export development efforts. With full support from both the UAE’s DP World and the Government of Pakistan, the facility promises to unlock new global markets for Pakistani businesses while reinforcing economic cooperation between Islamabad and Abu Dhabi. Next steps

To ensure the success of the initiative, the Ministry of Commerce has directed all relevant departments including the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) to begin immediate coordination and planning. The government will facilitate the identification of export-ready enterprises, streamline regulatory processes, and launch awareness campaigns to inform businesses of the opportunity.

The delegation from NLC and DP World urged the ministry to take a lead role in tenant selection, exporter outreach, and logistical support, to ensure full utilisation of the facility once it becomes operational.

The project aligns with Pakistan’s broader strategy of export-led growth, particularly after recent economic stabilisation measures supported by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and financial backing from allied nations. The UAE, with its proximity, low freight costs, and well-established Pakistani diaspora, offers an ideal launch pad for this initiative.