Dubai is poised to revolutionise trade dynamics between the UAE and India with the forthcoming launch of Bharat Mart, a colossal Indian marketplace slated to open its doors in 2026. The grand inauguration ceremony, graced by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, alongside Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marked a significant milestone in bilateral trade relations.
Envisioned and unveiled by DP World, Bharat Mart aims to provide a cutting-edge trading platform for Indian manufacturers and exporters, facilitating their access to global markets. With an expansive area spanning 2.7 million square feet, the first phase covering 1.3 million square feet, Bharat Mart is set to emerge as a mega distribution hub.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman and CEO of DP World Group, emphasised the pivotal role of Bharat Mart in fortifying trade ties, aiming to achieve the ambitious target of $100 billion in non-oil bilateral trade by 2030. The marketplace aligns seamlessly with government initiatives like Make in India and D33, offering Indian SMEs an optimal platform to export goods efficiently.
Strategically located within the Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza), Bharat Mart will benefit from Dubai’s world-class infrastructure and logistics capabilities. It will serve as a gateway for Indian products to reach not only the UAE but also high-growth markets across the Middle East, Europe, and Africa.
Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director of DP World GCC, emphasised Bharat Mart’s role in complementing Jafza’s existing offerings, empowering Indian SMEs to expand their footprint globally. The marketplace will feature 1,500 showrooms catering to both retail and wholesale customers, along with extensive warehousing space and modern amenities.
Bharat Mart’s strategic proximity to Jebel Ali Port and Al Maktoum International Airport ensures seamless multimodal logistics solutions, further enhancing its appeal to Indian exporters. Leveraging the Jebel Ali ecosystem, traders will gain direct connectivity to over 150 maritime destinations and air links to more than 300 cities.
Dubai’s pivotal role as a trade hub between the UAE and India is underscored by Bharat Mart’s establishment, aiming to streamline trade processes and foster continued growth. With over 1,500 Indian businesses already operating in Jafza, Bharat Mart is poised to further catalyze economic synergies, propelling bilateral trade to new heights.
