Dubai-India non-oil trade hits $60.6bn, Indian business presence surges

NEW DELHI: Dubai’s non-oil trade with India reached AED222.5 billion ($60.6 billion) in 2025, marking a 15% year-on-year increase and strengthening... Dubai-India non-oil trade hits $60.6bn, Indian business presence surges Thursday 27/August/2026 11:15 AM NEW DELHI: Dubai’s non-oil trade with India reached AED222.5 billion ($60.6 billion) in 2025, marking a 15% year-on-year increase and strengthening India’s position as Dubai’s second-largest trading partner. The latest figures highlight the rapid expansion of commercial ties between the two markets. Bilateral non-oil trade has risen 136.2% over the past decade, from $25.6 billion in 2016 to $60.6 billion in 2025. Indian businesses are also expanding their footprint in Dubai. As of June 2026, 85,841 Indian companies were active members of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, while 7,579 new Indian companies joined during the first half of 2026, representing 15% growth year-on-year. India has emerged as a significant source of investment for Dubai. Between 2016 and 2025, Indian investments in Dubai reached $5.8 billion, including $2.4 billion in foreign direct investment in 2025 alone. Investment flows have also moved in the opposite direction. Dubai-based companies invested $9.3 billion across 147 projects in India, generating 55,274 jobs. Indian companies operating in Dubai are concentrated mainly in trade and services, which account for 45% of their activities. Real estate, leasing and business services represent 27.3%, while construction accounts for 19%. Muhammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, highlighted the figures during the Economic Times World Leaders Forum 2026 in New Delhi, attended Modi. Lootah attributed much of the growth to the UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which came into effect in May 2022. Bilateral trade increased by 10% between 2022 and 2025 following the implementation of the agreement, as reduced trade barriers helped create new opportunities for businesses in both markets. Looking ahead, Lootah identified artificial intelligence, deep technology, fintech and digital services as key areas for the next phase of Dubai-India economic cooperation. Dubai Chambers is already developing specialised training programmes and incubators aimed at supporting businesses and entrepreneurs in these emerging sectors. The latest figures underline Dubai’s growing role as a gateway for Indian companies seeking access to regional and global markets, while highlighting the deepening two-way investment relationship between the UAE and India.