Dubai Reinforces Role as Global Growth Platform for Indian Businesses With 3,995 New Companies Joining Dubai Chamber of Commerce in Q1 2026

Dubai reinforced its role as a global growth platform for Indian businesses after the Dubai Chamber of Commerce reported that 3,995 new Indian companies joined the chamber in Q1 2026. The influx brought the total number of Indian companies registered as active members of Dubai Chamber to 84,088 by the end of March 2026, cementing India as the largest foreign business community in Dubai and underscoring growing commercial ties between the two markets.

"In an increasingly complex global economy, companies are placing greater value on markets that provide clarity, reliability, and the ability to keep enterprise moving," said H.E. Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers. "The continued growth of Indian businesses underlines the trust they place in Dubai as a platform for long-term success. The emirate provides the infrastructure, agility, and connectivity companies need to grow with confidence, even as global conditions continue to evolve."

Context and details

The membership surge was announced by Dubai Chamber of Commerce, one of the three chambers operating under Dubai Chambers, reflecting a continued appetite among Indian firms to use Dubai as a base for regional and international expansion. Authorities and business leaders cited policy stability, logistical strengths and targeted incentives as drivers of the trend.

• Economic incentives: The Government of Dubai announced an AED 1 billion package of economic incentives in March intended to ease financial pressures and boost liquidity for businesses operating in the emirate.
• Logistics and connectivity: Dubai's logistics ecosystem — including robust air cargo capacity, alternative maritime routes via Khorfakkan and Fujairah, and a temporary green corridor between Dubai and Oman — was highlighted as supporting uninterrupted trade flows.
• Market access and support: Dubai International Chamber maintains offices in Mumbai and Bengaluru to assist Indian companies in establishing and scaling operations in Dubai.

Senior business figures from the Indian community emphasised the emirate's role as a reliable platform. Dr. Joy Alukkas, Chairman and Managing Director of Joyalukkas Group, said: "For 39 years, the UAE has been the launchpad for our global ambitions. What I have come to deeply appreciate is the visionary leadership. Through every crisis and shift in the global landscape, the UAE government has stood shoulder to shoulder with the business community, offering continuity, security, clarity, and unwavering support."

Siddharth Balachandran, Chairman of Indian Business and Professional Council, said Dubai is "a rare 'constant' in this ever changing, and often chaotic, world" and credited ongoing government-industry dialogue for strengthening investment valuations. Nilesh Ved, Chairman of AppCorp Holding and Owner of Apparel Group, added: "For Indian businesses operating globally, stability and agility matter as much as opportunity and Dubai continues to lead on both fronts." Ved described Dubai as "one of the world's leading global cities, attracting investment, innovation, startups, and talent from across the world."

Outlook

With nearly 4,000 new Indian members joining the chamber in the first quarter and institutional support continuing from both Dubai Chambers and Dubai International Chamber offices in India, Dubai appears positioned to remain a primary gateway for Indian companies seeking regional scale and global market access. Policymakers' recent fiscal support and the emirate's logistics resilience are likely to be key factors as businesses evaluate expansion and continuity plans through 2026.