Submarines and Silicon: AUKUS and the Future of Indo-Pacific Power Politics
April 15, 2025
Pakistan’s Afghan Repatriation Policy: Addressing a Growing Humanitarian Challenge
April 18, 2025
Arsh Asim
Dubai has taken a significant leap toward strengthening its economic relationship with India by opening its second Dubai International Chamber office in Bengaluru. The Dubai International Chamber, a key player in fostering global economic partnerships, announced this move during Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s official visit to India. This marks a pivotal moment in the deepening economic integration between the two fast-growing economies. With trade and investment volumes rising rapidly in recent years, the new office is part of the broader Dubai Global initiative, positioning Dubai as a vital global business hub while supporting Indian companies’ international ambitions.
Dubai’s new Bengaluru office marks a strategic expansion under the Dubai Global initiative, boosting FDI and bilateral trade.
During the high-profile visit, Sheikh Hamdan inaugurated the Bengaluru office in the presence of top Emirati and Indian business leaders, underscoring the strategic nature of the expansion. This marks the Chamber’s 34th international office and the second in India, following the successful establishment of the Mumbai office in 2018. The opening aligns with the Dubai Global initiative, a comprehensive strategy launched by Sheikh Hamdan. This initiative aims to establish 50 international offices by 2030 across 30 global markets to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) into Dubai and support Dubai-based businesses seeking new international markets.
Sheikh Hamdan, calling the Bengaluru office a “strategic step,” emphasised its potential to lay the foundation for a new era of economic collaboration. “It lays the foundation for a new chapter of economic integration, stronger business partnerships, and the development of the digital economy,” he stated during a Dubai Chambers event in Mumbai, underlining the strategic importance of this new office.
The visit by Sheikh Hamdan comes amid accelerating momentum in UAE-India relations, catalysed by the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in 2022. This landmark deal, the UAE’s first bilateral agreement under its CEPA programme, has already begun to yield significant results. Speaking at the Dubai–India Business Forum held in Mumbai, UAE Minister of Economy Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri noted that India had become the UAE’s third-largest trading partner and that bilateral trade figures had reached historic highs in the last three years.
The Forum, attended by over 200 senior officials and investors, showcased a strong mutual commitment. It also hosted a panel discussion that examined how both countries could further elevate their strategic economic ties amid global economic shifts. One standout figure presented at the forum was the value of non-oil trade between the two countries, which exceeded AED 142 billion in the first nine months of 2024—a 19% increase year-on-year, further demonstrating the strength of the UAE-India relationship.
Non-oil trade between UAE and India surpassed AED 142 billion in just nine months of 2024, a 19% year-on-year surge.
The Chamber’s efforts are resonating with Indian businesses. As of the end of March 2025, 72,651 active Indian companies were registered as Dubai Chamber of Commerce members. Moreover, 4,563 new Indian companies joined in the first quarter of 2025 alone, marking a 16.2% year-on-year growth. These figures underline the Chamber’s dedication to its Indian members and Dubai’s appeal as a preferred destination for Indian entrepreneurs and investors.
Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, stressed that the UAE’s vibrant business environment offers Indian companies a gateway to global markets. “Indian companies now rank first in terms of the number of foreign businesses operating in Dubai,” he said, highlighting Dubai’s strategic position for Indian enterprises looking to scale internationally. The benefits for Indian companies in Dubai include a business-friendly environment, access to a global market, and a robust infrastructure.
Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Chairman of Dubai Chambers, echoed this sentiment, stating that the Mumbai and Bengaluru offices would be vital in accelerating investment flows in both directions. He added that Dubai’s investments in India have been robust in the transportation, warehousing, real estate, and IT sectors. In contrast, Indian investments in Dubai have focused on software, business services, and consumer goods.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman of the Dubai International Chamber and CEO of DP World highlighted that the Chamber’s growing international footprint enables deeper global integration. “We are reinforcing Dubai’s role as a hub for international collaboration and creating pathways for Emirati businesses to explore new global opportunities,” he remarked. He also noted that the Chamber is an enabler of trade growth between India and the UAE, backed by long-term investments designed to foster inclusive economic prosperity.
The Dubai–India Business Forum further explored these prospects, focusing on launching joint ventures, developing strategic partnerships, and leveraging the competitive advantages of both economies. Speakers emphasised that the existing economic relationship, built on mutual trust and a shared vision for integration, holds vast potential for diversification and digital innovation.
Over 72,000 Indian companies are now active members of the Dubai Chamber, with record new registrations in early 2025.
Dubai’s targeted and forward-thinking economic diplomacy is increasingly viewed as a model for modern trade and investment strategies. With India projected to become the world’s third-largest economy in the coming years and Dubai positioning itself as a global trade and innovation hub, the synergy between the two markets offers enormous promise.
As Sheikh Hamdan concluded his visit, the tone was unmistakably optimistic. “The opening of the new office in Bengaluru reflects our long-term commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation with India,” he affirmed. With comprehensive frameworks like CEPA in place, high-level engagement between leadership, and a rapidly expanding business presence, the UAE and India are well on their way to building a robust and future-ready economic alliance.
The author is a National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) student pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Economics. She is intensely interested in policy-making and policy analysis to become a successful policy analyst. She aspires to contribute to meaningful policy reforms and drive positive change in Pakistan.
