Dubai: Dubai Chambers has highlighted the expanding economic partnership between Dubai and India, with non-oil trade between the two markets rising by 136.2% over the past decade to reach a record AED222.5 billion in 2025.The figures were announced by His Excellency Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, during a panel session at The Economic Times World Leaders Forum 2026 in New Delhi, attended by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and leading international business executives.According to Dubai Chambers, non-oil trade between Dubai and India grew by 15% year-on-year in 2025, rising from AED94.2 billion in 2016 to AED222.5 billion, reinforcing India's position as Dubai's second-largest trading partner.Indian business presence continues to expandLootah said the strong confidence of Indian businesses in Dubai is reflected in the continued growth of Indian companies operating in the emirate.A total of 7,579 new Indian companies joined the Dubai Chamber of Commerce during the first half of 2026, bringing the number of active Indian member companies to 85,841 by the end of June, an annual increase of 15%."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," Lootah said."These figures demonstrate that Indian companies increasingly view Dubai as a global hub from which to develop their international operations and expand their investments."Investment flows strengthenDubai attracted approximately AED32.3 billion in investments from India between 2016 and 2025, including AED8.4 billion in foreign direct investment during 2025 alone.At the same time, Dubai-based companies invested AED34.1 billion across 147 projects in India, contributing to the creation of 55,274 jobs.Trade and services account for 45% of Indian companies registered with Dubai Chamber of Commerce, followed by real estate, leasing and business services at 27.3%, and construction at 19%.CEPA boosts trade growthLootah credited part of the growth to the UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which came into force in May 2022.Since the agreement's implementation, Dubai's non-oil trade with India has increased by 35%, rising from AED164.9 billion in 2022 to AED222.5 billion in 2025.He said CEPA has helped reduce trade barriers, improve market access and create new opportunities for businesses in both countries.Focus shifts to AI and future industriesLootah noted that economic cooperation is increasingly expanding beyond traditional trade into sectors such as Agentic AI, deep tech, fintech and the digital economy.He highlighted Dubai's recently launched initiative to accelerate private-sector adoption of Agentic AI and said Dubai Chambers is developing specialised training programmes and incubators to support companies operating in the sector.According to Lootah, Dubai's push towards advanced technologies creates significant opportunities for Indian technology firms to establish partnerships and expand their operations through the emirate.He added that emerging technologies are expected to play a growing role in shaping the next phase of Dubai-India economic relations, creating new investment opportunities and business models for companies in both markets.Dubai Chambers said the emirate remains committed to supporting businesses, strengthening bilateral partnerships and positioning Dubai as a strategic gateway for Indian companies expanding across the Middle East, Africa and global markets.
