UAE

India is ramping up efforts to finalize free trade agreements (FTAs) with key partners, notably the United States and the European Union, as it targets an ambitious USD 2 trillion export milestone by 2030. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman confirmed that negotiations are progressing rapidly, building on recently concluded deals with the UK, UAE, Australia, and the EFTA bloc. India's exports of goods and services reached an all-time high of USD 825 billion in FY25, outperforming global trade trends despite geopolitical uncertainties.

The Air India Group, comprising Air India and Air India Express, has adjusted its operational strategy in response to rising geopolitical instability in the Middle East. As tensions escalate, the carrier has opted to reroute flights to avoid Iranian, Iraqi, and Israeli airspace—actions that are expected to lengthen travel times. Additionally, Air India Express has begun cancelling select Middle East-bound services, citing low passenger load factors and operational constraints.

Sharanam Infraproject and Trading, a prominent supplier of building materials and steel products, has announced its strategic entry into the United Arab Emirates real estate sector through the incorporation of a wholly owned subsidiary. The company plans to allocate approximately Rs. 42 crore (AED 18 million) over the next nine months to fund this initiative, covering working capital and deal facilitation costs. The new entity will focus on land arbitrage transactions, acquiring well-positioned land parcels for resale to larger developers and institutional investors.

Shravin Bharti Mittal, son of Bharti Airtel founder Sunil Mittal and a key investor in British telecom giant BT Group Plc, has officially relocated from the United Kingdom to the United Arab Emirates amid tightening tax regulations for high-net-worth individuals. His move underscores a growing trend among global billionaires exiting Britain in response to reforms eliminating long-standing tax breaks for non-domiciled residents. The shift not only signals a wealth migration but also challenges the UK's ability to retain global financial talent.

Paytm has appointed Ramana Kumar as the Chief Executive Officer for its Middle East operations, signaling a strategic push to expand its footprint across the UAE and neighboring markets. Kumar, a seasoned fintech executive with over two decades of experience, will spearhead efforts to customize digital payment solutions for the region, leveraging Paytm’s proven technological platform. His leadership comes at a time when the Middle East is experiencing rapid adoption of digital payments, presenting significant opportunities for innovation and market growth.

As part of its ambitious tourism strategy, Oman is focusing on attracting international tourists, particularly from India, with a goal to draw 11.7 million visitors annually by 2040. The country is keen on capitalizing on historical ties with India, which has consistently been one of its key tourist markets. Oman’s tourism efforts are aligned with its Vision 2040, emphasizing sustainable growth, preservation of cultural heritage, and the development of eco-friendly attractions.

The Dubai Chamber of Commerce (DCC) has opened its second representative office in India, located in Bengaluru, marking a significant step in strengthening ties between the UAE and India, particularly in the realms of technology, startups, and clean energy. This move aligns with the growing momentum established by the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the two nations.

DP World has broken ground on Bharat Mart, a landmark logistics and trade facility in Dubai, strategically positioned to revolutionize India’s global export landscape. Announced in the presence of high-level dignitaries from both India and the UAE, this 2.7 million sq ft commercial nexus will serve as a bridge for Indian MSMEs to connect directly with international markets. Set within Dubai’s Jebel Ali Free Zone, the project offers multimodal logistics access, vast warehousing, and premium business infrastructure.

In a significant stride toward enhancing bilateral trade between the UAE and India, DP World has launched its new Free Trade Warehousing Zone (FTWZ) at the Nhava Sheva Business Park (NSBP) near Mumbai. This facility, inaugurated by UAE Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum during his official visit to India in April 2025, forms part of DP World’s broader investment exceeding USD 200 million in India’s logistics infrastructure.

India and the UAE are strengthening their bilateral ties, especially in education and trade, with significant new initiatives. India’s Commerce and Industry Minister, Piyush Goyal, announced the establishment of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and Indian Institute of Management (IIM) campuses in Dubai, which are set to further enhance the educational collaboration between the two nations. These developments are expected to pave the way for mutual recognition of degrees, facilitating seamless mobility for professionals.