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A statement from Dubai Chambers said its president and CEO Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah discussed the strength of bilateral relations during a panel session at The Economic Times World Leaders Forum 2026 in New Delhi, an event attended by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Lootah revealed that Dubai’s non-oil trade with India reached a record AED222.5 billion in 2025, representing annual growth of 15 percent. Bilateral trade has risen by 136.2 percent over the past decade from AED94.2 billion in 2016, reinforcing India’s position as Dubai’s second-largest trading partner, according to the statement. Lootah noted that relations continue to expand and diversify while extending into future-focused sectors including Agentic AI and the digital economy.
The statement highlighted the growth of investment flows and the rising number of Indian companies leveraging Dubai as a base for international expansion, supported by the emirate’s infrastructure and global connectivity. It reported that 7,579 new Indian companies joined the Dubai Chamber of Commerce in the first half of 2026, bringing the total number of active Indian company members to 85,841 by the end of June 2026 for year-on-year growth of 15 percent. 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 percent.” These figures demonstrate that Indian companies view Dubai as a global hub, the statement added.
According to the statement, Dubai attracted approximately AED32.3 billion in Indian investments between 2016 and 2025, including AED8.4 billion in foreign direct investment during 2025 alone. Dubai-based companies invested AED34.1 billion across 147 projects in India between 2016 and 2025, contributing to the creation of 55,274 jobs. Trade and services account for 45 percent of all active Indian companies registered as members of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, followed by real estate, leasing and business services at 27.3 percent and construction at 19 percent.
Lootah underlined the importance of the UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement that came into effect in May 2022, which has helped reduce trade barriers and improve market access. Dubai’s non-oil trade with India increased by 35 percent between 2022 and 2025 from AED164.9 billion to AED222.5 billion under the agreement. Middle East Briefing reported that non-oil trade between India and the UAE grew 34 percent year-on-year in the first half of 2025 to US$38 billion because of higher utilization of CEPA benefits, with both countries aiming to double non-oil and non-precious metals trade to US$100 billion by 2027-2030. United Nations COMTRADE data places India’s exports to the UAE at $38.67 billion in 2025.
The statement emphasised that technology will play a central role in the next phase of Dubai-India relations, particularly across Agentic AI, deep tech, fintech and digital services. Dubai has announced an initiative to accelerate the private sector’s transition to Agentic AI, with Dubai Chambers developing specialised training pathways and incubators while supporting businesses specialising in related solutions. Lootah noted that this drive creates significant opportunities for Indian technology companies and innovators to establish partnerships with Dubai-based businesses. Emerging technologies will reshape commercial cooperation between the two sides by creating new sectors, investment opportunities and business models, he added.
During the panel discussion, Lootah outlined Dubai’s key competitive advantages, which include strong economic foundations, advanced infrastructure, global connectivity and a competitive business environment. He invited investors and CEOs participating in the World Leaders Forum to explore the emirate’s diverse opportunities across multiple sectors. Lootah pointed to Dubai as a strategic base for expansion into regional and global markets.
