Dubai DP World has officially commenced construction on Bharat Mart, an ambitious global marketplace in Dubai designed to connect Indian businesses with international markets.
Set to open by the end of 2026, Bharat Mart represents a significant advancement in trade infrastructure between India and the UAE. The facility will span 2.7 million square feet, with the initial phase covering 1.3 million square feet. Strategically located in Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA), the marketplace will feature 1,500 showrooms and over 700,000 square feet of warehousing, light industrial units, office spaces, and meeting facilities. A dedicated section will support women-led businesses from India.
“Dubai’s world-class infrastructure and connectivity make it a vital partner as India expands its global trade,” said Sheikh Hamdan. “With non-oil bilateral trade surging and over 2,300 Indian companies thriving in Jafza, Bharat Mart will further strengthen the UAE-India partnership by providing Indian goods faster access to global markets.”
The marketplace’s location offers significant logistical advantages, situated just 11 km from Jebel Ali Port, 15 km from Al Maktoum International Airport, and with convenient access to Etihad Rail. This positioning will enable Indian businesses, particularly micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), to leverage a multimodal logistics network connecting to 150 maritime destinations and over 300 cities worldwide through air routes.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, CEO of DP World, emphasized the project’s alignment with broader trade goals: “India and the UAE aim to reach $100 billion in non-oil trade by 2030, and Bharat Mart will be a key driver in achieving this milestone. DP World remains committed to enhancing trade by developing world-class logistics infrastructure, unlocking new markets, and supporting sustainable economic growth.”
JAFZA continues to strengthen its position as a hub for Indian businesses, hosting over 2,300 Indian companies – a 15% year-on-year increase following the establishment of 283 new Indian businesses in 2024. This growth reinforces Dubai’s expanding role as a critical global trade hub and gateway for Indian exports to international markets.
