DP World has kicked off the construction of Bharat Mart, a massive 2.7 million square feet marketplace in Dubai. The first phase, covering 1.3 million square feet, is expected to open by late 2026 in the Jebel Ali Free Zone, located just 11 kilometers from Jebel Ali Port. This facility will house 1,500 showrooms, alongside over 700,000 square feet of warehousing, light industrial units, office spaces, and meeting rooms.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, highlighted that Dubai’s excellent infrastructure makes it an ideal partner for India’s growing global trade. This announcement came during a UAE state visit to India, where they launched the ‘Bharat Africa Setu,’ aimed at boosting trade between India and Africa.
“Non-oil bilateral trade has exceeded $80 billion, with over 2,300 Indian companies flourishing in Jafza," Sheikh Hamdan noted. He emphasized that Bharat Mart will enhance the UAE-India partnership by facilitating faster access for Indian goods to global markets.
India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, expressed enthusiasm for Bharat Mart, describing it as a transformative initiative. He mentioned DP World’s plans for a Virtual Trade Corridor between India and the UAE, designed to elevate trade levels and support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in reaching African markets.
Bharat Mart’s strategic location, just 15 kilometers from Al Maktoum International Airport, makes it even more advantageous for businesses. With access to a multimodal logistics network, it offers connections to 150 maritime destinations and over 300 cities worldwide. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, CEO of DP World, affirmed the goal of achieving $100 billion in non-oil trade between India and the UAE by 2030, underlining that Bharat Mart will play a crucial role in reaching this target.
The project also addresses trends in global trade. According to recent statistics, global e-commerce is expected to reach $6.4 trillion in 2024, indicating a growing need for efficient logistics and marketplace solutions. Bharat Mart seems well-positioned to capitalize on this trend by providing state-of-the-art facilities.
As the project unfolds, businesses in the region are keenly watching its developments. Social media trends show an increasing interest from entrepreneurs looking to tap into new markets via platforms like Bharat Mart. The launch promises not only to influence local trade but also to enhance global trading dynamics significantly.
In conclusion, Bharat Mart is more than just a marketplace; it’s a pivotal step towards redefining trade connections in the region and beyond. For more insights on international trade initiatives, check out this report from World Trade Organization.