Dubai: DP World has initiated the construction of Bharat Mart, a global marketplace aimed at facilitating business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) trade between Indian enterprises and international markets.
The project’s virtual model was presented in the presence of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai; Piyush Goyal, India's Minister of Commerce and Industry; and Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World.
Bharat Mart is expected to launch by the end of 2026. With construction in progress, DP World is establishing a groundbreaking marketplace that aims to transform trade connections between India, the Middle East, and beyond.
HH Sheikh Hamdan remarked, "Dubai's exceptional infrastructure and connectivity position it as a crucial ally as India broadens its global trade. With non-oil bilateral trade on the rise and over 2,300 Indian companies flourishing in Jafza, Bharat Mart will enhance the UAE-India partnership by ensuring quicker access for Indian products to global markets."
Piyush Goyal stated, "Bharat Mart represents a groundbreaking initiative by DP World with significant potential, and we eagerly anticipate its completion. DP World's commitment to developing the Virtual Trade Corridor between India and the UAE will elevate trade and commerce in line with the vision outlined in the India-UAE CEPA. We also commend DP World for creating new opportunities that will enable Indian businesses and MSMEs to penetrate African markets."
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem emphasized, "India and the UAE are targeting $100 billion in non-oil trade by 2030, and Bharat Mart will play a pivotal role in reaching this goal. DP World is dedicated to enhancing trade through the development of top-tier logistics infrastructure, unlocking new markets, and fostering sustainable economic growth."
Covering an expansive 2.7 million square feet, with the first phase encompassing 1.3 million square feet, Bharat Mart is set to become a vital trading center for Indian micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Ideally situated in the Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA), this facility will include 1,500 showrooms and more than 700,000 square feet dedicated to modern warehousing, light industrial units, office spaces, and meeting rooms, with specific areas allocated for women-led businesses from India.
Located just 11 kilometers from Jebel Ali Port and 15 kilometers from Al Maktoum International Airport, Bharat Mart offers Indian businesses easy access to a comprehensive multimodal logistics network. Through the Jebel Ali ecosystem, exporters will be able to reach 150 maritime destinations and benefit from air connections to over 300 cities globally, thereby improving their market access and operational efficiency.
JAFZA remains instrumental in facilitating India-UAE trade relations, currently hosting over 2,300 Indian companies, which reflects a 15 percent increase year-on-year, following the establishment of 283 new Indian enterprises in 2024. This growth further solidifies Dubai's position as a significant global trade hub.
