Jafza Celebrates 40 Years as Gateway for Indian Businesses
Dubai: The Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) is marking its 40th anniversary with record trade growth between India and the UAE. In 2024, Jafza saw a 40% rise in trade volume and a 17% rise in trade value from India compared to the previous year.
Over 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. Last year, Jafza welcomed 283 new Indian companies, marking a 15% year-on-year increase in new registrations.
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. This will provide Indian exporters, especially SMEs, a hub for retail, warehousing, and logistics, making it easier to access global markets.
The India-UAE trade relationship has been further strengthened by the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and initiatives like the India-UAE Trade Bridge, which has streamlined shipping, cut costs, and reduced delivery times. The upcoming Bharat Africa Setu trade corridor aims to double India-Africa trade by connecting India and Africa through sea and air connectivity.
His Excellency Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman & CEO, DP World, said, “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.”
