Jebel Ali Free Zone completes 40 yrs as gateway for Indian businesses

The Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) is marking its 40th anniversary with record trade growth between India and the UAE, supported by initiatives and infrastructure that connect Indian businesses to global markets.

"In 2024 alone, DP World’s flagship free zone saw a 40 percent rise in trade volume and a 17 percent 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," says an official release from DP World.

Last year, Jafza welcomed 283 new Indian companies, a 15 percent year-on-year increase in new registrations, highlighting the strength of the India-UAE trade corridor and the growing demand for Dubai’s multimodal trade infrastructure and strategic connectivity, the release added.

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman & CEO, DP World says: "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, the release added.

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.

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, the release added.