DP World Breaks Ground on Bharat Mart: A Game-Changing Trading Hub in Dubai

DP World has kicked off work on the Bharat Mart, a new trading hub in Dubai aimed at boosting trade between Indian businesses and the rest of the world. This exciting project will be housed in the Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) and is designed to make it easier for Indian firms to access global markets.

Once completed by late 2026, Bharat Mart will cover 2.7 million square feet and include 1,500 showrooms. This hub is expected to transform how businesses operate, offering a mix of business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) opportunities.

During the project’s unveiling, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, the Crown Prince of Dubai, emphasized how vital Dubai’s infrastructure is for enhancing India’s global trade reach. He noted the impressive growth of non-oil trade between India and the UAE, which currently includes over 2,300 Indian companies in JAFZA. The Bharat Mart aims to provide Indian goods with faster access to international markets, further strengthening this partnership.

India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, praised the project, calling it transformative. He highlighted the potential for expanding trade relationships under the recently signed India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Goyal also mentioned DP World’s commitment to developing a Virtual Trade Corridor to facilitate trade connections between India and the UAE.

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, the Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, pointed out an ambitious goal: reaching $100 billion in non-oil trade between India and the UAE by 2030. He believes Bharat Mart will be central to achieving this milestone through enhanced logistics and infrastructure.

The location of Bharat Mart is strategic. It is just 11 kilometers from Jebel Ali Port and 15 kilometers from Al Maktoum International Airport. This prime positioning will allow Indian businesses to access a comprehensive logistics network, connecting them to 150 maritime destinations and over 300 cities worldwide.

As for the current landscape, JAFZA is vital for India-UAE trade. It has seen a 15% increase in Indian companies over the past year, reflecting growing business ties. In 2024 alone, 283 new Indian firms were established in Dubai, underscoring the city’s role as a global trade hub.

In summary, the Bharat Mart represents a significant step forward in improving trade logistics and opportunities for Indian businesses, with a vision for a more integrated global market. The positive impact of such initiatives can be felt not just in trade figures but also in the broader economic growth and prosperity they promise.

For more details on trade dynamics and economic partnerships, you can check out the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

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