Indian-owned businesses emerged as the largest group of foreign companies joining the Dubai Chamber of Commerce in 2025, underlining Dubai’s continued appeal as a global investment and entrepreneurship hub.
According to newly released Dubai chamber data, 18,486 Indian companies became members during the year, marking an 11% year-on-year increase and securing India’s position at the top of the foreign investor rankings.
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Strong Global Participation
The chamber reported that a total of 71,830 new companies joined in 2025, pushing its active membership base to 292,486 by year-end, up from 258,318 in 2024 an annual growth rate of 13.2%.
India was followed by:
- Pakistan with 9,138 new companies (12% growth)
- Egypt with 5,043 new registrations
- United Kingdom with 2,733 new firms (5% growth)
- Bangladesh with 2,721 new companies (15% growth)
Other countries ranking among the top 10 included Syria, China, Jordan, Türkiye, and the United States.
Why Dubai Continues to Attract Global Business
Industry observers attribute the continued influx of foreign companies to several structural advantages that position Dubai as a premier business destination:
- Strategic geographic location linking Asia, Europe, and Africa
- Pro-business regulatory framework and streamlined licensing
- Competitive tax environment
- Advanced logistics and infrastructure
- Access to regional and global markets
Dubai’s diversified economy spanning trade, logistics, financial services, technology, tourism, and real estate continues to offer scalable opportunities for international entrepreneurs and corporations alike.
India–UAE Business Ties Deepen
The rise in Indian company registrations also reflects strengthening economic ties between India and the UAE, supported by trade agreements and expanding bilateral investment flows. Indian entrepreneurs have historically maintained a strong presence in Dubai across sectors such as retail, construction, IT services, healthcare, and professional consulting.
The 2025 figures reaffirm Dubai’s role not only as a regional commercial hub but as a global gateway for emerging market businesses seeking international expansion.
With membership growth accelerating and foreign participation broadening, the Dubai Chamber’s latest data signals sustained confidence in Dubai’s economic environment. If current trends continue, 2026 could see another record year for international business registrations in the emirate.
