Reade and Investment / Indian Business Presence in Dubai Expands Sharply, Reaches 85,841 Firms by June 2026

New Delhi, Aug 28: The footprint of Indian enterprises in Dubai has grown at a remarkable pace, with the number of active Indian companies registered under Dubai Chamber climbing to 85,841 by the end of June 2026, officials said on Friday.

Highlighting deepening economic ties between the two markets, Lootah said Dubai’s non‑oil trade with India reached a record $60.6 billion in 2025, up 15 per cent year‑on‑year, according to the report from Dubai-based publication Arabian Business.

He said Dubai had attracted nearly $8.8 billion in Indian investments between 2016 and 2025, including $2.3 billion in foreign direct investment in 2025 alone.

Investment also flowed in the opposite direction as companies invested $9.3 billion across 147 projects in India between 2016 and 2025, contributing to the creation of 55,274 jobs.

Bilateral trade has more than doubled over the past decade, Lootah said, rising 136.2 per cent from $25.6 billion in 2016, and now positions India as Dubai’s second‑largest trading partner.

Lootah said relations between Dubai and India are continuing to expand in response to the evolving needs of businesses in both markets as trade remains a main pillar of the relationship.

Bilateral cooperation is further expanding into future-focused sectors including Agentic AI and the digital economy, while an increasing number of Indian businesses are using Dubai as a base for their operations.

“These figures reflect the Indian business community’s strong confidence in Dubai and its future growth prospects,” he said.
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“Dubai provides Indian businesses with access to markets across the Middle East, Africa and beyond, supported by advanced infrastructure, global connectivity, a competitive business environment and direct links to customers, investors and partners,” the publication said.

Lootah noted that the UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) has reduced trade barriers for businesses, improved market access and unlocked wider growth opportunities in both markets.

—IANS