The global trade landscape just got a powerful new landmark. DP World has officially commenced construction on Bharat Mart, an ambitious mega marketplace in Dubai designed to connect Indian businesses directly with international markets across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
For Indian exporters like VH Global Export, Rajkot, Gujarat, this is not just news. It is a significant opportunity.
What is Bharat Mart?
Bharat Mart is a first-of-its-kind global marketplace being built in the heart of Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA), Dubai. Set to open by the end of 2026, it will serve as a dedicated storefront for Indian businesses looking to reach 3.5 billion consumers across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East from a single, strategically located platform.
The facility will span 2.7 million square feet in total, with the initial Phase 1 covering 1.3 million square feet. It will feature 1,500 showrooms, over 700,000 square feet of warehousing, light industrial units, office spaces, and meeting facilities. A dedicated section will also support women-led businesses from India.
Strategically positioned just 11 km from Jebel Ali Port, 15 km from Al Maktoum International Airport, and with direct access to Etihad Rail, Bharat Mart connects Indian exporters to 150 maritime destinations and over 300 cities worldwide through air routes.
Why Bharat Mart Matters for Indian Exporters
Sheikh Hamdan captured the significance perfectly:
"Dubai's world-class infrastructure and connectivity make it a vital partner as India expands its global trade. With non-oil bilateral trade surging and over 2,300 Indian companies thriving in JAFZA, Bharat Mart will further strengthen the UAE-India partnership by providing Indian goods faster access to global markets."
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, CEO of DP World, added further context:
"India and the UAE aim to reach USD 100 billion in non-oil trade by 2030, and Bharat Mart will be a key driver in achieving this milestone."
JAFZA currently hosts over 2,300 Indian companies, a 15% year-on-year increase following 283 new Indian businesses established in 2024 alone. This growth reinforces Dubai's expanding role as the critical gateway for Indian exports to global markets.
Core Offerings at Bharat Mart
Bharat Mart is designed as a complete business ecosystem, not just a warehouse or showroom space.
Multipurpose Facility Consolidate your warehouse and showroom in a single location with convenient access to banking, dining, and accommodation services all on site.
Dual License Establishment Every company at Bharat Mart will hold a permit to trade within the free zone and onshore, giving Indian exporters access to both offshore and UAE mainland markets from one location.
On-Site Customs Support Pay import duties and VAT on local sales only. All customs services for importing and re-exporting are available from the same convenient location, significantly reducing overhead and paperwork.
Business Community Access Connect with a vibrant ecosystem of 9,000 companies located within Jebel Ali Free Zone, enabling direct access to new suppliers, customers, and business partners operating within the same trade network.
Global Customer Reach Reduce logistics costs and transit times when serving customers across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East directly from Bharat Mart. The facility is also within walking distance of Expo City and adjacent to many of Dubai's key public attractions, drawing an estimated 15 million visitors to Dubai annually.
License Costs at Bharat Mart
License fees at Jebel Ali Free Zone and Bharat Mart are 15 to 20% lower compared to similar business setups elsewhere in Dubai.
Jebel Ali Free Zone (Pure Free Zone)
| Fee Type | Amount (AED) |
|---|---|
| Business Registration (one time) | 5,000 |
| Trading License per commodity | 5,000 |
| Cost for First Year | 10,000 |
| Cost from Second Year Onwards | 5,000 |
A general trading license covering all approved commodities is available for AED 15,000 per year.
Bharat Mart Traders Market (Free Zone + Retail Hybrid)
| Fee Type | Amount (AED) |
|---|---|
| Business Registration (one time) | 5,000 |
| Trading License per commodity | 5,000 |
| Other Fees | 1,050 |
| Cost for First Year | 11,050 |
| Cost from Second Year Onwards | 6,050 |
Warehouse and Showroom Costs
Warehouse Available sizes: 150 sq.mt. and 220 sq.mt. Lease cost: AED 350 per square meter annually
Showroom Available sizes: 17 sq.mt., 21 sq.mt., and 27 sq.mt. Lease cost: AED 500 to AED 1,000 per square meter annually depending on location and size
Key terms to note:
- Showroom and warehouse leases run for a minimum of 2 years and a maximum of 3 years, renewable thereafter
- Pay-per-use common user warehouses are also available for flexible needs
- Early bird discounts, grace periods for payments, and special arrangements are being created specifically for Indian exporters and traders
- Commodity-specific clusters including leather, textiles, clothing, and electronics will be established within Bharat Mart
All costs listed above are estimates based on Phase 1 of the Traders Market currently operational in Jebel Ali. Final costs will be disclosed before agreements are signed and are subject to change.
How to Set Up Your Business at Bharat Mart
Setting up a business at Bharat Mart is a straightforward process:
Step 1: Select your business activity and obtain name approval
Step 2: Submit your application for initial business setup approval
Step 3: Prepare your Memorandum of Association (MOA) and complete court notarization
Step 4: Secure your office space and complete the tenancy agreement
Step 5: Complete the final registration for your mainland company structure in the UAE
Key Benefits of Establishing in the UAE Through Bharat Mart:
- 100% corporate tax exemption
- No minimum capital requirement for a Dubai mainland license
- Freedom to do business anywhere across the UAE mainland
- Simplified work permit procedures
- 100% repatriation of capital and profits
What This Means for VH Global Export and Our Buyers
At VH Global Export, Rajkot, Gujarat, we are closely watching the development of Bharat Mart as a transformative opportunity for Indian spice exporters. A platform of this scale, located at the crossroads of global trade routes connecting Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, directly aligns with our mission to bring premium Indian spices closer to global buyers.
As Bharat Mart takes shape, opportunities like this reinforce why now is the right time for global buyers to build direct, reliable sourcing partnerships with trusted Indian exporters.
Whether you are looking for premium cumin, turmeric, red chili, fennel, coriander, cardamom, or sesame seeds, VH Global Export is ready to serve your requirements with consistent quality, transparent sourcing, and on-time global delivery.
Disclaimer: All information in this blog is for general reference only and has been sourced from publicly available information. Before making any business or investment decisions, please visit the authorized websites of DP World, JAFZA, and relevant UAE authorities for the most current and accurate details.
Thank you to DP World for sharing this important information and for building a platform that empowers Indian exporters to reach the world.
