In a landmark move set to redefine trade dynamics between India and the United Arab Emirates, DP World has officially broken ground on the Bharat Mart project—a sprawling new trade hub that will serve as a gateway for Indian exports to reach global markets from Dubai. Strategically located within the Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA), Bharat Mart will offer Indian businesses a powerful platform to showcase their products, access logistics infrastructure, and fast-track trade in the Middle East, Africa, and beyond.
The groundbreaking ceremony marked not only a significant infrastructure milestone but also a celebration of the deepening strategic partnership between two economic powerhouses—India and the UAE. Attended by key dignitaries, government officials, and business leaders from both nations, the event underlined the shared vision of transforming Dubai into a central re-export hub for Indian manufacturers, artisans, and entrepreneurs.
Bharat Mart ; A Hub Born of Vision and Strategic Alignment
Bharat Mart is designed to operate as a one-stop-shop marketplace featuring showrooms, warehouses, logistics services, and digital trade facilitation. Once completed, it will provide Indian exporters and small-to-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with an integrated ecosystem to launch, distribute, and grow their products and brands across international markets. This aligns with the goals of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed between India and the UAE, which aims to boost bilateral trade to $100 billion within the next five years.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, hailed Bharat Mart as a “visionary initiative” that reflects the UAE’s commitment to fostering global trade and strengthening ties with India. “This project is more than a trade center. It’s a symbol of our longstanding relationship with India and our shared goal of prosperity through open markets and innovation,” he said at the ceremony.
India-UAE Trade on a Rapid Ascent
India and the UAE have experienced explosive growth in bilateral trade over the past decade, with India becoming the UAE’s second-largest trading partner. From energy and infrastructure to textiles and technology, the range of trade flows has expanded dramatically. With Bharat Mart now in motion, the path is set for smoother, more efficient exchange of goods, services, and capital.
Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, who has consistently championed deeper trade collaboration with the Gulf region, praised the launch of Bharat Mart as a game-changer. “Dubai has long served as a vital corridor for Indian goods. With Bharat Mart, we are institutionalizing that legacy into a structured, state-of-the-art format that empowers Indian exporters like never before,” he noted in a video message during the ceremony.
The Bharat Mart is expected to focus on sectors such as textiles, gems and jewelry, pharmaceuticals, FMCG products, handicrafts, electronics, and agri-products—industries in which India holds global competitive advantage. The facility will also accommodate B2B and B2C transactions, allowing for direct consumer engagement and regional distribution.
Strengthening CEPA: From Paper to Practice
The launch of Bharat Mart comes at a time when the India-UAE CEPA is already delivering tangible outcomes. Since its implementation, tariff reductions and regulatory simplifications have fueled a steady rise in bilateral exports. Bharat Mart serves as a concrete expression of CEPA’s promise, bridging physical and policy infrastructure to create a seamless trade experience.
CEPA has been particularly advantageous for India’s SMEs, many of which struggle with logistics, customs delays, and limited global exposure. Bharat Mart will provide these businesses with warehousing solutions, integrated logistics, and access to a vibrant marketplace in Dubai, which itself is a trade gateway to Africa, Europe, and the Americas.
DP World has committed to building Bharat Mart with smart logistics at its core, incorporating digital solutions such as blockchain-enabled supply chain tracking, automated inventory systems, and integrated customs processing. This not only speeds up time-to-market but also enhances transparency and trust for international buyers.
Economic and Employment Impact
Apart from transforming trade corridors, Bharat Mart is also set to create significant employment and investment opportunities. Thousands of jobs are expected to emerge from the construction, logistics, retail, and technology operations of the hub. Indian entrepreneurs will be able to establish a stronger presence in Dubai without facing the high overheads usually associated with international expansion.
Additionally, the UAE stands to gain from increased re-export activity, higher port utilization, and greater global visibility as a pro-business destination that bridges East and West. With Jebel Ali Port being one of the largest and busiest ports in the world, Bharat Mart’s proximity to this logistical nerve center further enhances its value proposition.
Dubai as the Future of Global Trade
Dubai’s continued investment in trade infrastructure is part of a broader ambition to become the most connected city in the world for commerce and innovation. The emirate has consistently ranked among the top global trade and logistics hubs, and Bharat Mart adds yet another jewel to its crown.
By leveraging DP World’s logistics strength, the business-friendly ecosystem of the UAE, and India’s vast manufacturing capabilities, Bharat Mart is poised to become a global template for next-gen trade facilitation. It reflects a shared vision of inclusive growth, economic diversification, and entrepreneurial empowerment.
Looking Ahead: A Gateway to the World
As the construction of Bharat Mart moves forward, anticipation is building among Indian exporters and global buyers alike. The project is expected to be completed in phases, with the first phase opening to businesses by 2026. Its success could pave the way for similar bilateral trade zones across the GCC region, reinforcing India’s growing stature as a global economic leader.
In a world where geopolitical tensions and supply chain vulnerabilities dominate headlines, the India-UAE partnership offers a blueprint for constructive diplomacy and economic resilience. Bharat Mart is not just a building—it is a bold statement about the future of international trade, rooted in collaboration, trust, and shared prosperity.
From humble beginnings to a high-tech future, this ground-breaking initiative proves that when two nations share a vision, the results can reshape economies and uplift millions.
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