The Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) is marking its 40th anniversary with record trade growth between India and the UAE, supported by strategic initiatives and infrastructure that connect Indian businesses to global markets.
In 2024 alone, DP World’s flagship free zone, saw a 40% rise in trade volume and a 17% rise in trade value from India compared to the year before. Today, more than 2,300 Indian companies operate from Jafza, employing over 15,000 people across core sectors including electronics, construction, food, chemicals, and logistics. Indian businesses represent the largest community in the free zone by trade volume.
Last year, Jafza welcomed 283 new Indian companies, marking a 15% year-on-year increase in new registrations and highlighting the strength of the India-UAE trade corridor and the growing demand for Dubai’s multimodal trade infrastructure and strategic connectivity.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman & CEO, DP World, said: “India has been instrumental to Jafza’s story over the past four decades. Our collaboration has gone beyond trade to create a lasting partnership based on trust, opportunity, and mutual progress. India and the UAE aim to reach $100 billion in non-oil trade by 2030, and Jebel Ali’s ecosystem will be a key driver in achieving this milestone. As we look ahead, we remain committed to supporting India’s global ambitions through our network of smart logistics solutions.”
A major development on the horizon is Bharat Mart, set to open in 2026. Located within the Jebel Ali ecosystem, the facility will span 2.7 million square feet, starting with an initial phase of 1.3 million square feet. Bharat Mart will provide Indian exporters, especially SMEs, a hub for retail, warehousing, and logistics. This will make it easier to access global markets, particularly businesses in Africa and the GCC that source Indian goods from Dubai.
DP World and the Government of India have also announced the launch of the Bharat Africa Setu – a trade corridor designed to double India-Africa trade. The initiative will connect India and Africa through sea and air connectivity between ports, economic zones and logistics parks operated by DP World in both geographies, giving Indian exporters access to 53 African countries.
India’s trade relationship with the UAE has been further strengthened by the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), signed in 2022. In its first year alone, bilateral non-oil trade between the two countries reached $50.5 billion, a 5.8% annual increase, with 87% of India-UAE bilateral trade channelled through Dubai.
Supporting this relationship is DP World’s India-UAE Trade Bridge, launched in 2019 to streamline shipping cut costs, and reduce delivery times. It has unlocked new opportunities in sectors like manufacturing, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare.
Established in 1985, Jafza has attracted over $30 billion in foreign investment in the past 20 years and today hosts nearly 11,000 companies from 157 countries. Its success has been replicated globally by DP World – including in India, where it operates terminals, inland logistics hubs, and industrial parks.
As Jafza celebrates its 40th anniversary, its role in shaping a strong, stable, and scalable trade relationship with India remains more relevant than ever.
