Dubai-India Trade Hits Record $60.6 Billion as Indian Business Presence Surges

Dubai’s economic relationship with India has reached another major milestone.

Dubai’s non-oil trade with India reached a record AED 222.5 billion ($60.6 billion) in 2025, marking a 15% increase over the previous year. At the same time, the number of Indian companies registered as active members of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce reached 85,841 by the end of June 2026.

The numbers highlight something bigger than growing trade between two markets. They show how increasingly important Dubai has become as a base for Indian businesses looking to operate, invest and expand internationally.

And there is another interesting number behind the headline: 7,579 new Indian companies joined the Dubai Chamber during the first six months of 2026 alone, pushing the active Indian business community up 15% year-on-year.

For Indian entrepreneurs considering business setup in Dubai or maybe want a low cost business setup in Dubai, the latest figures offer a strong indication of where the relationship between the two markets is heading.

Dubai-India Trade Has More Than Doubled in a Decade

The latest figure becomes even more significant when viewed over a longer period.

Dubai’s non-oil trade with India stood at AED 94.2 billion in 2016.

By 2025, it had reached AED 222.5 billion.

That represents growth of 136.2% over the decade.

Dubai-India Trade at a Glance

The scale of the relationship shows that India-Dubai business ties are no longer concentrated in a small number of industries or large corporations.

They are becoming broader and more deeply connected.

85,841 Indian Companies Are Now Active Dubai Chamber Members

Perhaps the most striking part of the announcement is the number of Indian businesses operating within Dubai’s commercial ecosystem.

By the end of June 2026, 85,841 Indian companies were registered as active members of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce.

A further 7,579 Indian companies joined during the first half of 2026. The total represented a 15% year-on-year increase.

This makes the Indian business community one of the most significant foreign business communities in Dubai.

But the number is also important for another reason.

It suggests that Indian businesses are not only trading with Dubai from outside the UAE. A growing number are choosing to establish a more direct presence in the emirate.

Which Industries Are Indian Businesses Operating In?

Indian businesses in Dubai are spread across several sectors.

According to Dubai Chambers, trade and services account for 45% of active Indian companies registered with the Dubai Chamber.

They are followed by:

• Real estate, leasing and business services: 27.3%
• Construction: 19%

This diversity is important.

Dubai is not attracting Indian companies for just one type of business. The relationship extends across trading, professional services, construction, real estate and other commercial activities.

For Indian entrepreneurs, this creates a broader ecosystem of potential customers, suppliers, partners and investors.

Why Are More Indian Companies Choosing Dubai?

There is no single reason behind the growth.

For many companies, Dubai offers a combination of market access, infrastructure, international connectivity and a business environment designed for companies that want to expand beyond one country.

Dubai can provide Indian businesses with access to:

• UAE customers
• GCC markets
• Middle Eastern investors
• African markets
• International suppliers
• Global business networks
• Regional talent
• International logistics connections

Dubai Chambers has described the emirate as a platform from which Indian companies can develop international operations and expand investments.

For a company that has already established itself in India, setting up a Dubai operation can therefore be part of a wider international expansion strategy.

The UAE-India CEPA Is Adding Momentum

Another important factor is the UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

The agreement came into effect in May 2022 and was designed to reduce trade barriers and improve market access between the two countries.

Dubai Chambers says Dubai’s non-oil trade with India increased by 35% between 2022 and 2025, rising from AED 164.9 billion to AED 222.5 billion.

That growth gives businesses a more connected environment for cross-border trade.

For companies already selling products or services between India and the UAE, the continued development of this relationship could create further opportunities.

Investment Is Moving in Both Directions

Trade is only one part of the relationship.

Investment between Dubai and India is also significant.

From 2016 to 2025, Dubai attracted approximately AED 32.3 billion in Indian investment.

Of that amount, AED 8.4 billion came through Indian foreign direct investment in 2025 alone.

The investment relationship also works in the other direction.

Dubai-based companies invested approximately AED 34.1 billion across 147 projects in India between 2016 and 2025, contributing to the creation of 55,274 jobs.

This shows that the relationship isn’t simply about Indian companies entering Dubai.

It is increasingly a two-way business and investment relationship.

Dubai Could Become an Even Bigger Launchpad for Indian Businesses

The latest figures point to a change in how some Indian companies may be viewing Dubai.

Instead of seeing Dubai only as a destination for selling products, businesses can use the emirate as a regional headquarters or international expansion base.

For example, an Indian technology company could establish operations in Dubai and use that presence to pursue clients across the GCC.

A trading company could use Dubai’s logistics network to manage regional distribution.

A consulting company could establish a Dubai entity to work with clients across multiple countries.

A growing consumer brand could use Dubai as a stepping stone into Middle Eastern markets.

The business model will differ from company to company, but the underlying idea is the same:

Technology and AI Could Define the Next Phase

The Dubai-India relationship is also expanding beyond traditional trade.

Dubai Chambers highlighted Agentic AI, deep tech, fintech and digital services as areas that could play an important role in the next phase of cooperation between the two markets.

This could be particularly relevant for Indian technology companies.

India has a large technology talent base, while Dubai is actively developing itself as a global technology and digital business hub.

The combination creates opportunities for:

• AI startups
• SaaS companies
• Fintech businesses
• Cybersecurity companies
• Software companies
• Digital services
• Automation businesses
• Deep-tech startups

Dubai Chambers has also been developing training pathways and incubator initiatives around Agentic AI as part of efforts to support private-sector adoption.

What Does This Mean for Indian Entrepreneurs?

For an Indian entrepreneur considering starting a business in Dubai, the latest numbers provide several reasons to pay attention.

1. A Growing Indian Business Community

With more than 85,000 active Indian Chamber members, entrepreneurs entering Dubai are joining an already established business community.

That can create opportunities for partnerships, networking and B2B sales.

2. Access Beyond the UAE

Dubai’s value isn’t limited to its domestic market.

Its international connectivity can make it useful for businesses looking to expand across the GCC, Middle East and Africa.

3. Strong Trade Links With India

The record $60.6 billion non-oil trade figure demonstrates the depth of the existing commercial relationship.

4. Investment Opportunities

Indian investment into Dubai continues to grow, while Dubai-based companies are also investing in India.

5. Technology Opportunities

AI, fintech and digital businesses are becoming increasingly important to the next phase of Dubai-India cooperation.

Should Indian Companies Consider Setting Up in Dubai?

There is no universal answer.

For a business that already has customers, a proven product and plans to expand internationally, Dubai company formation could be worth considering.

But entrepreneurs should first understand what they actually need.

Ask These Questions Before Setting Up:

• Who are your target customers?
• Will you sell in the UAE or internationally?
• Do you need a Mainland or Free Zone company?
• Will you import or export products?
• Do you need employees and residence visas?
• Will you need a physical office?
• What will your banking requirements be?
• What are your Corporate Tax and VAT obligations?
• Which business activity should appear on your licence?

The right structure depends on the answers.

Why Dubai’s Growth Matters to Indian Businesses

The most important takeaway from these figures isn’t simply that trade reached $60.6 billion.

It is the combination of trade, investment and business formation.

Trade is growing.

Investment is flowing in both directions.

Thousands of new Indian businesses are entering Dubai.

And cooperation is expanding into technology and other future-focused sectors.

Together, these trends suggest that the Dubai-India business relationship is becoming more integrated and more diverse.

For Indian businesses with international ambitions, that could make Dubai increasingly relevant as a regional operating base.

What Businesses Can Gain From a Dubai Presence?

Build a Regional Presence

A Dubai office can provide a physical presence in the Middle East.

Reach New Customers

Businesses can target customers in the UAE and wider regional markets.

Build International Partnerships

Dubai’s business community creates opportunities to connect with investors, suppliers and partners.

Improve Regional Distribution

Trading and logistics businesses can explore Dubai as a base for managing regional flows.

Attract Investment

A Dubai presence may make it easier to engage with investors and business networks based in the region.

Support International Expansion

For businesses that have already grown in India, Dubai can be considered as part of a broader international expansion strategy.

The Opportunity Is Bigger Than Trade

The latest Dubai-India figures tell a story that goes beyond imports and exports.

They show how deeply connected the two business ecosystems have become.

With $60.6 billion in non-oil trade, 85,841 active Indian Chamber members and billions of dirhams flowing through investment channels, Dubai and India are building a relationship that increasingly includes technology, entrepreneurship and international expansion.

For Indian entrepreneurs, this could be an important moment to look beyond the traditional India-UAE trade model.

The opportunity may not simply be to sell from India to Dubai.

It could be built from Dubai for the wider world.

How AB Capital Can Help Indian Businesses Set Up in Dubai

For an Indian entrepreneur, entering Dubai starts with choosing the right structure.

At AB Capital Services FZC, we help Indian entrepreneurs, startups, SMEs and established companies with their business setup and ongoing requirements in Dubai and across the UAE.

Our services include:

• Mainland Company Formation
• Free Zone Company Formation
• Trade Licence Assistance
• Corporate Bank Account Opening
• Investor and Employment Visas
• PRO Services
• Corporate Tax Registration and Compliance
• VAT Registration and Filing
• Accounting and Bookkeeping
• Business Advisory
• Ongoing Compliance Support

With Bharat Bajaj, Founder and CEO of AB Capital Services FZC, bringing more than 20 years of experience in finance, commercial operations and business advisory, AB Capital helps businesses understand their setup options and choose a structure that fits their actual plans.

For Indian companies looking at Dubai as their next market, regional headquarters or international expansion base, the first step is to understand where you want to go and then build the right business structure to get there.

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