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As India–UAE trade deepens further in 2026, particularly in non-oil sectors, Dubai’s role as a regional gateway for Indian businesses is set to grow
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The conversation has shifted from whether Indian entrepreneurs should enter Dubai to how strategically and efficiently they can do so
Dubai is rapidly cementing its position as a preferred global expansion hub for Indian entrepreneurs, driven by a powerful mix of policy reforms, trade incentives, and world-class infrastructure. With bilateral trade between India and the UAE crossing the $100 billion mark, the corridor has evolved from a trading relationship into a strategic growth partnership.
A key catalyst has been the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which has significantly lowered tariffs across thousands of product categories, streamlined customs procedures, and enabled faster market entry. Combined with tax efficiency, 100% foreign ownership in designated free zones, and advanced logistics networks, Dubai has lowered many of the traditional barriers that once deterred overseas expansion.
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The numbers reflect this momentum. According to data from the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, Indian entrepreneurs continue to form the largest cohort among new foreign business registrations
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In the first half of 2025 alone, more than 9,038 new Indian companies joined the chamber, representing a year-on-year growth of nearly 15 percent
Several factors explain this sustained interest. Indian business strengths in e-commerce, technology services, trading, gems and jewellery, food processing, and renewable energy align closely with Dubai’s economic diversification agenda. CEPA-driven benefits, including simplified compliance frameworks and increasing use of local currency trade settlements, have also helped reduce operational risks for Indian firms.
Residency reforms have further strengthened Dubai’s appeal. Expanded Golden Visa eligibility, lower investment thresholds, and the ability to sponsor family members now allow entrepreneurs to establish long-term roots without the need for local sponsorship, ensuring stability and business continuity.
Yet, while the opportunity is compelling, execution remains complex. Entrepreneurs often face challenges in selecting the right business structure—free zone versus mainland—alongside navigating visa categories, banking norms, and regulatory compliance.
This is where specialised business setup consultancies are playing an increasingly critical role. Dubai-based MSZ Consultancy, for instance, supports Indian entrepreneurs across the full business lifecycle, from incorporation and licensing to residency visas and post-setup compliance. According to its CEO, Mohammed Sultan Zubair, technology and e-commerce startups are gravitating toward free zones such as DMCC and DAFZA, while trading firms are leveraging CEPA provisions to optimise customs duties. Family-owned enterprises, meanwhile, are using residency frameworks to relocate senior leadership while retaining operational bases in India.
