A new shopping hub dedicated to Indian products, called Bharat Mart, is set to open in Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) by the end of 2026. Spanning over 2.7 million square feet, this massive facility will include retail spaces, showrooms, and warehouses. Its goal is to transform how Indian goods are distributed to Africa, the Middle East, and Eurasia.

The announcement came during a recent visit by Dubai’s Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to India, aimed at strengthening ties between the two nations. Bharat Mart is expected to be similar to the popular Chinese Dragon Mart, offering both business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) opportunities.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, CEO of DP World, stated that construction has already begun. He emphasized that Bharat Mart will serve as a showcase for Indian products, especially for buyers in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Africa.
Sheikh Hamdan highlighted Dubai’s infrastructure and connectivity as key to facilitating India’s global trade expansion. He noted that the bilateral trade between the UAE and India is increasing, with over 2,300 Indian companies already operating in JAFZA.
India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, praised the project, terming it transformative for Indian micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The initial phase will cover 1.3 million square feet, featuring 1,500 showrooms and over 700,000 square feet for warehousing and offices, including dedicated spaces for women-led businesses.
Strategically located just 11 km from Jebel Ali Port and 15 km from Al Maktoum International Airport, Bharat Mart will connect Indian exporters to a vast logistics network. This means access to 150 maritime routes and air connectivity to over 300 cities worldwide, greatly enhancing their market reach.
As India continues to solidify its position in global trade, projects like Bharat Mart are vital. They not only open doors for small businesses but also represent an evolving partnership between India and the UAE. Recent statistics indicate that bilateral trade has surged, underlining the importance of initiatives like this one for both economies.
With growing interest in Indian products globally, Bharat Mart is expected to tap into this trend, offering consumers more choices and businesses a robust platform to showcase their goods.
Check out this related article: DP World Breaks Ground on Bharat Mart: A Game-Changing Trading Hub in Dubai
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