Indian-owned companies topped the list of new foreign businesses joining the Dubai Chamber of Commerce during the first half of 2025, underlining India’s position as the leading source of non-UAE enterprises entering the emirate’s market.
According to the Chamber, 9,038 Indian firms joined between January and June 2025, representing a 14.9% year-on-year growth.
Pakistan ranked second, contributing 4,281 new companies, up 8.1% from H1 2024. Egypt followed in third with 2,540 firms, marking 8.3% growth.
Meanwhile, Bangladeshi businesses recorded the highest growth rate, with a surge of 37.5%. A total of 1,541 companies from Bangladesh joined in H1, placing the country in fourth place, while the United Kingdom secured fifth place with 1,385 new firms, reflecting an 11.1% growth.
Other top contributors included Syria (945), China (772), Jordan (688), Türkiye (642), and Canada (535).
From a sectoral perspective, Wholesale & Retail Trade and Real Estate, Renting, and Business Services dominated, each accounting for 35% of new activity. Construction followed with 17.3%, while Transport, Storage & Communications and Social & Personal Services contributed 7.6% each.
The figures underscore the Chamber’s pivotal role in fostering foreign direct investment and business expansion in the UAE, thereby reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global hub for trade, entrepreneurship, and economic growth.
–Input WAM
