UAE’s Jafza reports 40% surge in trade with India, says DP World

UAE’s Jafza Strengthens India Trade Ties with 40% Surge in Volume and Major Expansion Plans

Dubai – May 6: The Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza), DP World’s flagship trade and logistics hub in the UAE, has reported a substantial 40% year-on-year increase in trade volume with India in 2024, accompanied by a 17% rise in trade value, according to an official statement.

JAFZA is home to over 2,300 Indian businesses employing over 15,000 people in key industries such as electronics, construction, food processing, chemicals and logistics. In 2023 alone, 283 new Indian companies opened offices in the free zone, a 15% increase in new registrations, reflecting India’s growing trade relations with the UAE.

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman and CEO of the DP World Group, highlighted India’s pivotal role in JAFZA’s expansion over the past four decades. “Our partnership with India has evolved from a business partnership to a long-term partnership based on mutual trust, progress and opportunity,” he said. Jebel Ali’s integrated business ecosystem will be essential to achieving the common goal of reaching US$100 billion in non-oil trade by 2030.

Looking ahead, JAFSA plans to further strengthen India’s global export footprint through smart logistics solutions and new infrastructure projects. A cornerstone of this expansion is Bharat Mart, a dedicated hub for Indian exporters – especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Scheduled to open in 2026, Bharat Mart will cover 2.7 million square feet, with the first phase comprising 1.3 million square feet. It will serve as a comprehensive retail, warehousing, and logistics facility, streamlining market access for Indian products, especially to Africa and the GCC via Dubai.

In addition, DP World and the Government of India have announced the Bharat Africa Setu, a new trade corridor aimed at doubling India–Africa trade. The initiative will link Indian exporters with 53 African nations through enhanced sea and air connectivity, and integrated logistics zones managed by DP World in both regions.

Since its establishment in 1985, Jafza has attracted more than USD 30 billion in foreign direct investment and now hosts nearly 11,000 companies from 157 countries. Celebrating its 40th anniversary, Jafza recorded USD 190 billion in trade over the last 12 months — a 15% year-on-year growth, underlining its continued position as a key engine of global trade.