Indian companies have once again emerged as the top foreign entrants into Dubai’s thriving business ecosystem. According to a new report from the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, Indian-owned enterprises led all foreign nationalities in new company registrations during the first quarter of 2025.
From January to March this year, a total of 4,543 new Indian businesses were registered with the Chamber. This reflects a 4.4 percent year-on-year (YoY) increase, reinforcing India’s long-held position as Dubai’s largest foreign business community. The data underscores the emirate’s ongoing success in attracting global entrepreneurs and investors from across the world.
Pakistan, Egypt, and Bangladesh Follow in Top Rankings
Following India, Pakistan ranked second with 2,154 new companies, while Egypt secured the third position with 1,362 registrations. Notably, Bangladeshi businesses recorded the highest growth rate among the top nationalities, with 817 new companies—a sharp 28.5 percent YoY increase.
Rounding out the top ten were:
- United Kingdom: 678 companies
- Syria: 462 companies
- Jordan: 350 companies
- China: 347 companies
- Türkiye: 329 companies
- Iraq: 303 companies
This diverse composition reflects Dubai’s global reputation as a hub for innovation, trade, and international partnerships.
Trade, Real Estate, and Construction Dominate New Registrations
The wholesale and retail trade sector dominated the list of new business activities, accounting for 36.2 percent of registrations. Close behind was the real estate, renting, and business services sector with 35.4 percent, demonstrating the continued strength of Dubai’s property market.
Additional sector shares included:
- Construction: 16.7 percent
- Social and personal services: 7.7 percent
- Transport, storage, and communications: 7.5 percent
The report reaffirms Dubai’s multi-sector growth model and highlights how international companies view the emirate as a springboard for regional and global expansion.
With its pro-business policies, strategic location, and investor-friendly infrastructure, Dubai remains a magnet for entrepreneurs across geographies and industries.
