In a significant development, the membership of Indian companies in the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce has seen remarkable growth, with a recorded increase of 38.4% from 2019 to 2024. This surge reflects the Indian business community’s heightened interest in tapping into the UAE market and leveraging the diverse opportunities available across various sectors.
Accelerated Growth of Indian Membership
As of 2024, the Abu Dhabi Chamber welcomed 3,375 new memberships from Indian companies, marking an impressive annual growth rate of 31.1%. These figures underscore the deepening economic partnership between Abu Dhabi and India, affirming the emirate’s status as a regional hub for business and investment. Recent data revealed that by September 2025, there were a total of 17,457 memberships held by Indian companies, solidifying India’s position as the second-largest segment within the chamber.
Evolving Economic Cooperation
This remarkable growth can be attributed to the ongoing expansion of trade and investment cooperation between both nations, particularly following the enforcement of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in 2022. This agreement has opened new avenues for trade facilitation, bolstered investment flows, and enhanced collaboration in emerging sectors of the economy.
Insights from Chamber Officials
Shams Ali Al Dhaheri, the Second Vice Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Chamber, emphasized that “the accelerating membership of Indian companies reflects the increasing confidence in the strength of the economy and the attractiveness of the investment environment in Abu Dhabi.” He highlighted the belief in the emirate’s evolving economic landscape that offers quality growth and regional expansion opportunities, thereby enhancing its position as a global business and investment hub.
Sectoral Distribution of Indian Companies
Indian businesses in Abu Dhabi are diversely engaged across multiple sectors. Notably, wholesale and retail trade accounts for 45% of total memberships, while construction represents 14%. The chamber’s records indicate substantial participation in administrative services, hospitality, professional and technical services, manufacturing, transportation, storage, information technology, and real estate. This diversity showcases Abu Dhabi’s ability to attract companies involved in vital economic activities that contribute to sustainable growth and diversification of the production base.
This trend aligns with the outcomes of economic agreements and supportive government initiatives aimed at facilitating business operations and enhancing corporate competitiveness. In 2024, the non-oil bilateral trade value between Abu Dhabi and India witnessed a dramatic increase of 94% year-on-year, driven by enhanced opportunities for businesses on both sides.
Commitment to Future Growth
Ali Mohammed Al Marzouqi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Chamber, remarked that “Indian companies are crucial contributors to Abu Dhabi’s economic growth.” The rise in memberships exemplifies the trust that Indian partners have in the supportive business policies, modern infrastructure, and openness to regional and global markets in Abu Dhabi. The chamber offers comprehensive services for both local and international companies, assisting them in transforming their ambitions into successful projects, from company establishment and license issuance to standards and certifications, supplier support, export encouragement, and fostering global partnerships. He further encouraged more Indian companies to establish their projects in Abu Dhabi and expand from the emirate into global markets.