Indian Company Memberships at Abu Dhabi Chamber Surge 38.4%

Membership of Indian companies at the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry has grown at a compound annual rate of 38.4% between 2019 and 2024, reflecting the emirate’s rising prominence as a regional hub for business and investment.

The Chamber recorded 3,375 new Indian company memberships in 2024 alone — an annual increase of 31.1% — reaffirming the strong economic ties between Abu Dhabi and India. As of September 2025, the Chamber counts 17,457 active Indian companies, making the Indian business community the second-largest within its diverse membership base.

Officials attribute this growth to the expanding trade and investment cooperation between the UAE and India following the implementation of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in 2022, which has opened new pathways for trade facilitation, capital flow, and collaboration across high-growth sectors.

His Excellency Shamis Khalfan Al Dhaheri, Second Vice Chairman and Managing Director of the Abu Dhabi Chamber, said the surge in Indian memberships demonstrates “increasing confidence in the strength of our economy and the clarity of Abu Dhabi’s investment proposition.”

“The rise reflects the trust of Indian businesses in our advanced infrastructure and the opportunities the emirate offers for growth and regional expansion,” he added. “Abu Dhabi continues to consolidate its status as a global hub for business and investment.”

H.E. Al Dhaheri also reaffirmed India’s role as a key trade and investment partner, noting that CEPA and other strategic initiatives are driving growth across advanced industries, biotechnology, energy, food, water, and emerging sectors.

Indian enterprises in Abu Dhabi operate across a wide variety of sectors. Wholesale and retail trade represents 45% of total Indian memberships, followed by construction at 14%. Other active sectors include administrative services, hospitality, professional and technical services, manufacturing, transport, information technology and real estate — underscoring the emirate’s appeal as a diversified and resilient economy.

The rise in memberships parallels broader economic momentum. In 2024, non-oil trade between Abu Dhabi and India surged by 94%, fueled by expanding bilateral opportunities.

His Excellency Ali Mohamed Al Marzooqi, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Chamber, highlighted the essential contribution of Indian enterprises to Abu Dhabi’s economic landscape.

“Indian companies are integral to Abu Dhabi’s growth story,” he said. “The increase in memberships reflects confidence in our pro-enterprise policies, modern infrastructure and open access to regional and global markets. Through the Chamber, we provide integrated services that transform ambition into action, from company setup and licensing to standards, supplier development, export readiness and partnership platforms.”

The Abu Dhabi Chamber reiterated its commitment to supporting Indian companies as they expand and diversify operations within the emirate, offering practical services, market access initiatives and collaborative platforms that reinforce Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading global destination for enterprise.