Indian businesses held more than 247,000 active licences in the UAE at the end of 2024, with over 41,600 new Indian economic licences issued that year. The activity spans retail, hospitality, manufacturing, construction, technology and professional services.
The figures measure licensed activity rather than the number, profitability or growth of individual companies. India-UAE trade ties and the large Indian community support business connections, while expansion decisions still depend on demand, costs, competition and regulatory requirements.
Indian businesses in the UAE had more than 247,000 active business licences by the end of 2024, according to official figures. The number gives an idea of how much Indian entrepreneurs have become involved in the country’s business activities.
A report published by the Emirates News Agency on April 8, 2025, also revealed that more than 41,600 new Indian economic licences were issued during 2024.
These figures show the scale of Indian business activity in the Emirates. However, they do not represent the exact number of individual companies. Some businesses hold more than one licence.
India and the UAE have maintained close trading relations for many years. Today, those connections extend across industries, from small retail businesses to manufacturing, hospitality and technology.
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2026 update on Indian companies and UAE-India trade
Newer figures offer context beyond the 2024 nationwide licence total. In an October 8, 2026 report, the Emirates News Agency said 21,085 active Indian companies were registered with Abu Dhabi Chamber as of August 2026. This is an Abu Dhabi Chamber company count, not an updated UAE-wide total of Indian business licences, so the two figures should not be treated as directly comparable.
The same report noted that UAE-India bilateral trade reached US$101.25 billion in the 2025–2026 financial year. Abu Dhabi Chamber and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry also signed a cooperation agreement to develop new business connections. These developments provide more recent context for the economic relationship, while the 247,000-licence figure remains a historical measure from the end of 2024.
Where Indian businesses in UAE operate
Indian entrepreneurs have established businesses in different parts of the Emirates.
Some run shops, restaurants and trading companies. Others work in construction, technology, manufacturing or professional services.
The reasons for entering the UAE market can vary.
An Indian manufacturer may want to find distributors for its products. A technology company might be looking for international clients, while a restaurant owner may see an opportunity to serve customers in a particular area.
The UAE’s location also makes it relevant to companies that trade with businesses across Asia, Africa and Europe.
Still, expanding into another country is not always straightforward.
Business owners need to understand licensing requirements, rental costs, employee expenses and local regulations. Finding customers and dealing with competition can also take time. Our guide to startup mistakes to avoid in the UAE outlines related planning considerations.
A company that performs well in India may need a different approach when entering the UAE market.
Indian community plays an important role
The business relationship between India and the UAE is closely connected to the large number of Indians living and working in the country.
According to the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi, approximately 4.3 million Indian nationals were estimated to be living in the UAE in 2024.
The embassy identifies Indians as the country’s largest expatriate community.
Indian residents come from many parts of the country. Kerala has a large representation, followed by Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. People from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Punjab and other states also form part of the population.
The community includes professionals, employees, entrepreneurs and families.
Many Indians work in hospitals, schools, hotels, offices, retail businesses and technical industries. Others have established their own companies or spent years building careers in the Emirates.
These connections can also be useful in business.
An entrepreneur entering the UAE may already know people who understand the local market. Some businesses maintain relationships with Indian suppliers, while others work with customers and partners in both countries.
Personal connections can help businesses understand a new market, although they cannot replace proper research or commercial planning.
For practical advice on expansion, UAE Business Voice also explains what international companies should know before entering the UAE market, including research, setup considerations and local requirements.
Cultural ties go beyond business
The relationship between India and the UAE can also be seen in everyday community life.
Indian festivals, food, music and cultural programmes are familiar in many parts of the Emirates.
One example was the Emirates Loves India celebration held at Zabeel Park in Dubai in October 2025.
According to the Emirates News Agency’s report on the celebration, the event attracted more than 100,000 attendees.
The programme featured Indian music, traditional dance, clothing, food and handicrafts.
For Indian families living in the UAE, such celebrations offer a chance to stay connected to familiar traditions. They also provide opportunities for residents from other communities to learn about Indian culture.
The relationship has a long history.
According to the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, India and the UAE signed a cultural cooperation agreement in 1975.
Community organisations continue to arrange cultural events, social gatherings and other activities throughout the year.
These connections have developed through decades of travel, employment, business and family relationships.
What the licence figures mean for Indian entrepreneurs
The number of Indian business licences in the UAE is substantial, but it is important to understand what the figures actually measure.
More than 247,000 active licences show the extent of licensed commercial activity. They do not tell us how many businesses are profitable, how many jobs they have created or whether every company is growing.
Similarly, the 41,600 new licences issued in 2024 show new business licensing activity, not necessarily the long-term success of those companies.
For entrepreneurs considering expansion from India, the practical questions remain important.
Is there enough demand for the product or service? What will it cost to operate? How much competition already exists? And what approvals will the business need?
The answers will be different for a trading company, a technology startup or a restaurant.
Indian businesses have developed a substantial presence in the UAE over many years. That presence is supported by commercial relationships and a large community with personal and professional connections across both countries.
The official figures help explain the scale of this activity. For anyone planning to enter the market, however, understanding customers, costs and competition remains the starting point.
