What is the current value of Dubai-India non-oil trade?

Non-oil trade between Dubai and India reached a record **AED222.5 billion** in 2025, representing a 136.2% increase over the past decade.

How many Indian companies are active in Dubai?

By the end of June 2026, there were **85,841 active Indian member companies** with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, following the addition of 7,579 new companies in the first half of 2026.

Which sectors are most popular for Indian businesses in Dubai?

Trade and services account for **45%** of Indian companies, followed by real estate, leasing and business services at 27.3%, and construction at 19%.

How has the UAE-India CEPA impacted trade?

Since the UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) came into force in May 2022, Dubai's non-oil trade with India has increased by **35%**, rising from AED164.9 billion in 2022 to AED222.5 billion in 2025.

What types of investments has Dubai attracted from India?

Dubai attracted approximately **AED32.3 billion** in investments from India between 2016 and 2025, including **AED8.4 billion** in foreign direct investment during 2025 alone.

All news

Economy·25 August 2026

Dubai-India Non-Oil Trade Surges 136% to AED222.5 Billion Over a Decade

Non-oil trade between Dubai and India has surged by 136.2% over the past decade, reaching a record AED222.5 billion in 2025, driven by strong Indian business growth and the UAE-India CEPA.

Non-oil trade between Dubai and India has seen substantial growth, increasing by 136.2% over the last decade to reach a record AED222.5 billion in 2025. This rise solidifies India's position as Dubai's second-largest trading partner. The figures were announced by H.E. Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, at The Economic Times World Leaders Forum 2026 in New Delhi.

Driving this growth is the expanding presence of Indian businesses in the emirate. During the first half of 2026, 7,579 new Indian companies joined the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, bringing the total number of active Indian member companies to 85,841 by the end of June, marking a 15% annual increase. These companies primarily operate in trade and services (45%), real estate, leasing and business services (27.3%), and construction (19%).

Investment Flows

Dubai attracted approximately AED32.3 billion in investments from India between 2016 and 2025, with AED8.4 billion in foreign direct investment recorded in 2025 alone. Conversely, Dubai-based companies invested AED34.1 billion across 147 projects in India, contributing to the creation of 55,274 jobs.

Impact of CEPA and Emerging Sectors

The UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), implemented in May 2022, has been a significant catalyst. Since its activation, Dubai's non-oil trade with India has increased by 35%, rising from AED164.9 billion in 2022 to AED222.5 billion in 2025. The agreement has reduced trade barriers and improved market access for businesses.

Economic cooperation is also expanding into advanced technology sectors such as Agentic AI, deep tech, fintech, and the digital economy. Dubai's initiatives to accelerate private-sector adoption of Agentic AI, including specialised training and incubators, present new opportunities for Indian technology firms to partner and expand their operations through the emirate, shaping future economic relations.

Frequently asked

Questions, answered

What is the current value of Dubai-India non-oil trade?: Non-oil trade between Dubai and India reached a record **AED222.5 billion** in 2025, representing a 136.2% increase over the past decade.
How many Indian companies are active in Dubai?: By the end of June 2026, there were **85,841 active Indian member companies** with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, following the addition of 7,579 new companies in the first half of 2026.
Which sectors are most popular for Indian businesses in Dubai?: Trade and services account for **45%** of Indian companies, followed by real estate, leasing and business services at 27.3%, and construction at 19%.
How has the UAE-India CEPA impacted trade?: Since the UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) came into force in May 2022, Dubai's non-oil trade with India has increased by **35%**, rising from AED164.9 billion in 2022 to AED222.5 billion in 2025.
What types of investments has Dubai attracted from India?: Dubai attracted approximately **AED32.3 billion** in investments from India between 2016 and 2025, including **AED8.4 billion** in foreign direct investment during 2025 alone.

Reported by

Google News — UAE Economy & Investment

View original coverage

This brief was summarised and rewritten by Gaia Living from public reporting. Figures and details reflect the original sources.

Echoes, in your inbox

One thoughtful email a month. Market insight, new launches, no spam.