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Indian Companies Attracted by DMCC in Past Year, Boosting Trade with UAE

International business hub DMCC, prominent in fostering global trade via Dubai, reports a significant surge in Indian corporate presence. Over 260 Indian firms have joined their district in the past year, bringing the overall operating count to nearly 4,000.

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Indian businesses flock to DMCC, with more than 260 companies arriving in the past year, as...
Indian businesses flock to DMCC, with more than 260 companies arriving in the past year, as bilateral trade between India and the UAE witnesses significant growth.

Indian Companies Attracted by DMCC in Past Year, Boosting Trade with UAE

In the heart of Dubai, the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) is witnessing a surge in Indian companies, thanks to the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the UAE and India. This significant agreement, implemented in May 2022, has had a **significant positive impact** on the regional trade landscape.

The CEPA has **doubled** bilateral trade between India and the UAE within just three years, reaching about USD 83.64 billion in FY 2023-24—a nearly 15% year-on-year increase. Indian exporters and startups are leveraging CEPA benefits, using DMCC as a gateway to enter not only the UAE market but also wider Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), African, and European markets, thanks to the UAE’s strategic geographic position.

The agreement has eliminated or reduced tariffs on about 90% of Indian exports to the UAE, particularly benefiting sectors like gems & jewellery, electrical machinery, textiles, leather, footwear, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices. This preferential market access has improved Indian companies’ competitiveness and helped expand their exports.

The CEPA framework has also attracted UAE investors into key Indian sectors such as infrastructure, logistics, fintech, and renewable energy, tripling UAE foreign direct investment (FDI) into India from about USD 1.03 billion in FY 2021-22 to USD 3.35 billion in FY 2022-23. This has fostered a vibrant ecosystem for Indian startups connected with DMCC’s business environment.

To further boost Indian companies' presence and growth in hubs like DMCC, the UAE-India CEPA Council has launched initiatives like the UAE–India CEPA Start-up Series to connect Indian startups with the UAE’s dynamic innovation ecosystem in Dubai and beyond. This enhances cross-border entrepreneurship, innovation, and trade collaboration.

DMCC, a premier trade and commodity hub, now has over 4,000 companies operating from its international business district, with Indian businesses accounting for 16% of its total member base. Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DMCC, has emphasised the importance of the centre as one of the most important business hubs for international growth and cross-sector innovation.

Recent events held in Mumbai and Hyderabad as part of DMCC's global Made For Trade Live roadshow programme highlighted the potential for Indian businesses to simplify their operations and supply chains. The events were in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry and the Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry. Dubai was showcased as a strategic platform for Indian businesses seeking global expansion.

As DMCC continues to attract the next wave of Indian companies to Dubai, business leaders, government officials, and industry stakeholders are convened to explore trade and investment opportunities through DMCC. Over 260 Indian companies joined DMCC's international business district in the last 12 months, demonstrating the centre's appeal to Indian businesses looking to expand their horizons.

In conclusion, the CEPA has **catalyzed robust growth of Indian companies in Dubai’s DMCC** by providing tariff concessions, easing market access, fostering startup collaboration, and increasing investment flows. This has transformed UAE-India trade into a dynamic corridor that not only boosts bilateral commerce but also positions Indian enterprises strategically within the wider Middle East and African trade landscapes.

[1] [Khaleej Times](http://www.khaleejtimes.com/business/economy/uae-india-cepa-boosts-bilateral-trade-to-dollar83-64-bn-in-fy-2023-24), [2] [Gulf News](http://gulfnews.com/business/economy/uae-india-cepa-boosts-bilateral-trade-to-dollar83-64-bn-in-fy-2023-24), [3] [Zawya](http://zawya.com/mena/en/business/story/UAE-India-CEPA-boosts-bilateral-trade-to-dollar83-64-bn-in-fy-2023-24), [4] [Arabian Business](http://arabianbusiness.com/business-analysis/788408-uae-india-cepa-boosts-bilateral-trade-to-dollar83-64-bn-in-fy-2023-24)

  1. The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) is experiencing an increase in Indian companies due to the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the UAE and India, which has had a significant positive impact on regional trade.
  2. The CEPA has doubled bilateral trade between India and the UAE in just three years, reaching USD 83.64 billion in FY 2023-24, resulting in a nearly 15% year-on-year increase.
  3. Indian exporters and startups are utilizing CEPA benefits to enter not only the UAE market but also the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), African, and European markets, taking advantage of the UAE’s strategic geographic position.
  4. The CEPA has eliminated or reduced tariffs on about 90% of Indian exports to the UAE, particularly benefiting sectors like gems & jewellery, electrical machinery, textiles, leather, footwear, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices.
  5. The CEPA framework has attracted UAE investors into key Indian sectors such as infrastructure, logistics, fintech, and renewable energy, tripling UAE foreign direct investment (FDI) into India.
  6. To further boost Indian companies' presence and growth in hubs like DMCC, the UAE-India CEPA Council has launched initiatives like the UAE–India CEPA Start-up Series, enhancing cross-border entrepreneurship, innovation, and trade collaboration.

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