DP World has commenced the development of Bharat Mart, an extensive B2B and B2C marketplace situated in Dubai, designed to facilitate the connection between Indian enterprises and international markets.
The launch of the project was conducted via a virtual event attended by prominent figures including Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, as well as India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, and Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, CEO and Group Chairman of DP World.
Bharat Mart to Strengthen Trade Relations
Scheduled to be operational by late 2026, Bharat Mart will be established in the Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA), covering an expansive area of 2.7 million square feet, with the initial phase encompassing 1.3 million square feet.
Sheikh Hamdan remarked, “Dubai’s premier infrastructure and connectivity serve as a crucial asset as India broadens its global trade network. With a substantial increase in non-oil bilateral trade and over 2,300 Indian firms thriving in JAFZA, Bharat Mart will enhance the UAE-India alliance by allowing Indian products quicker access to worldwide markets.”
The marketplace will feature 1,500 showrooms and over 700,000 square feet dedicated to warehousing, light industrial spaces, offices, and meeting venues, including specialized sections for women-led Indian businesses.
Moreover, the location is strategically placed just 11 kilometers from Jebel Ali Port and 15 kilometers from Al Maktoum International Airport, with convenient access to Etihad Rail, linking Indian exporters to 150 maritime destinations and more than 300 cities globally through air transport.
Piyush Goyal noted, “Bharat Mart represents a groundbreaking initiative by DP World with significant potential, and we eagerly anticipate its completion. DP World is actively fostering the development of the Virtual Trade Corridor between India and the UAE, aiming to elevate trade in line with the vision outlined by the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). We also commend DP World’s efforts in carving out new opportunities that will aid Indian businesses and MSMEs in accessing the African market.”
The UAE and India have set an ambitious target of achieving $100 billion in non-oil trade by the year 2030, with Bharat Mart poised to play a crucial role in realizing this objective.
Sulayem emphasized, “With an aim of reaching $100 billion in non-oil trade by 2030, Bharat Mart will significantly contribute to this goal. DP World is dedicated to fostering trade by improving world-class logistics infrastructure, unlocking new markets, and catalyzing sustainable economic development.”
Currently, JAFZA is home to over 2,300 Indian companies, reflecting a 15% year-on-year growth after welcoming 283 new Indian businesses in the year 2024, solidifying Dubai’s status as a global trading center.