DP World has confirmed that the construction of Bharat Mart, a 2.7 million ft² business-to-business and business-to-consumer marketplace in Dubai, has begun.
The first phase of construction, spanning 1.3 million ft² is set to open by the end of 2026 in Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza), just 11km from Jebel Ali Port. It is set to feature 1,500 showrooms and over 700,000ft² of warehousing, light industrial units, office space and meeting facilities.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, crown prince of Dubai and deputy prime minister and minister of defence of the UAE, commented: “Dubai’s world-class infrastructure and connectivity make it a vital partner as India expands its global trade.
This announcement was made during a UAE state visit to India, alongside the launch of ‘Bharat Africa Setu’, a trade initiative that it is designed to increase trade between India and Africa.
Government of India and DP World launch new trade initiative connecting India with Africa
On the matter of Indian trade, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum added: “With non-oil bilateral trade surpassing US$80 billion 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.”
Shri Piyush Goyal, India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, said: “Bharat Mart is a transformative project launched by DP World with immense potential and we keenly await its completion.
“DP World’s efforts around developing the Virtual Trade Corridor between India and UAE will ensure that trade and commerce scales new heights in the spirit envisaged by the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
“We also appreciate the efforts of DP World in building new dimensions and opportunities that will enable Indian businesses and micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to reach African markets.”
In addition to its proximity to Jebel Ali Port, Bharat Mart will be situated 15km from Al Maktoum International Airport. It will offer businesses access to a multimodal logistics network and onward connectivity with 150 maritime destinations and over 300 cities worldwide.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, group chairman and CEO of DP World, said: “India and the UAE aim to reach $100 billion in non-oil trade by 2030, and Bharat Mart will be a key driver in achieving this milestone.
“DP World remains committed to enhancing trade by developing world-class logistics infrastructure, unlocking new markets, and supporting sustainable economic growth.”
DP World is a sponsor of the inaugural Supply Chain Excellence Awards MEA! This prestigious event, taking place on 26 May 2025 at the Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, will shine a spotlight on innovative projects, outstanding teams and industry-leading solutions transforming the region’s supply chain sector.
Secure your place at the Supply Chain Excellence Awards MEA now to join industry leaders, network with peers and honour the Middle East and Africa’s most impactful contributions to supply chain excellence.
