Dubai’s non-oil trade with India reached a record AED222.5bn ($60.6bn) in 2025, representing annual growth of 15 per cent as economic ties between the two markets continue to expand.
The number of Indian companies registered as active members of Dubai Chamber of Commerce reached 85,841 by the end of June 2026, while Dubai attracted approximately AED32.3bn ($8.8bn) in Indian investments between 2016 and 2025.
Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, highlighted the scale of the economic relationship during a panel session at The Economic Times World Leaders Forum 2026 in New Delhi.
The event brought together leading investors and senior executives from India and around the world and was attended by His Excellency Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India.
Lootah revealed that Dubai’s non-oil trade with India reached a record AED222.5bn ($60.6bn) in 2025, up 15 per cent annually.
Dubai-India trade
The growth reinforces India’s position as Dubai’s second-largest trading partner.
Lootah said relations between Dubai and India are continuing to expand and diversify in response to the evolving needs of businesses in both markets.
Trade remains a central pillar of the relationship, but cooperation is increasingly expanding into future-focused sectors including Agentic AI and the digital economy.
The number of Indian businesses using Dubai as a base for their operations is also growing.
Indian companies in Dubai
A total of 7,579 new Indian companies joined Dubai Chamber of Commerce during the first half of 2026, taking the total number of Indian companies registered as active members to 85,841 by the end of June.
That represented year-on-year growth of 15 per cent.
Lootah said: “The confidence of the Indian business community in the growth opportunities offered by Dubai is reflected in the 7,579 new Indian companies that joined Dubai Chamber of Commerce during the first half of this year. This brought the total number of Indian companies registered as active members of the chamber to 85,841 by the end of June 2026, representing year-on-year growth of 15%.
“These figures demonstrate that Indian companies increasingly view Dubai as a global hub from which to develop their international operations and expand their investments. They also reflect the Indian business community’s strong confidence in Dubai and its future growth prospects.”
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.
Indian investment reaches $8.8bn
Dubai attracted approximately AED32.3bn ($8.8bn) in Indian investments between 2016 and 2025. That included AED8.4bn ($2.3bn) in foreign direct investment during 2025 alone.
Investment has also flowed in the opposite direction. companies invested AED34.1bn ($9.3bn) across 147 projects in India between 2016 and 2025, contributing to the creation of 55,274 jobs.
Indian companies operating in Dubai span a broad range of sectors. Trade and services account for 45 per cent of all active Indian companies registered as members of the Chamber of Commerce.
Real estate, leasing and business services account for 27.3 per cent, followed by construction at 19 per cent. Lootah also highlighted the importance of the UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which came into effect in May 2022.
The agreement has helped businesses reduce trade barriers, improve market access and unlock wider growth opportunities in both markets. Dubai’s non-oil trade with India increased by 35 per cent between 2022 and 2025, rising from AED164.9bn ($44.9bn) to AED222.5bn ($60.6bn).
Agentic AI opportunities
Technology is expected to play an increasingly important role in the next phase of economic relations.
Lootah identified Agentic AI, deep tech, fintech and digital services as areas expected to shape future cooperation.
He also highlighted the city’s recently announced initiative to accelerate the private sector’s transition to Agentic AI.
As part of the initiative, the Chambers has begun developing specialised training pathways and incubators for companies operating in Agentic AI.
It is also supporting the development of businesses specialising in Agentic AI solutions and promoting knowledge sharing and institutional capacity building across the Chambers.
The efforts are intended to enhance private sector competitiveness and strengthen the emirate’s position in the adoption of future technologies.
Indian technology companies see opportunities
Lootah said Dubai’s push to accelerate Agentic AI adoption is creating opportunities for Indian technology companies and innovators to bring their expertise to the emirate, develop solutions and establish partnerships with businesses.
Emerging technologies are expected to increasingly reshape commercial cooperation between Dubai and India, creating new sectors, investment opportunities and business models.
During the panel discussion, Lootah also outlined competitive advantages, highlighting the emirate’s economic foundations, resilience and ability to adapt to global developments while maintaining a competitive business environment.
He highlighted the emirate’s focus on shaping the future of business through Agentic AI and the digital economy and developing the capabilities companies need for their next stage of growth.
Lootah invited investors and CEOs participating in The Economic Times World Leaders Forum 2026 to explore opportunities across the emirate and consider the emirate as a strategic base for expansion into regional and global markets.
He also reaffirmed the Chambers’ commitment to helping businesses identify opportunities, establish partnerships and strengthen their ability to achieve sustainable growth.