Indian Investors Flock to Dubai, Leveraging Tax-Friendly Policies and Strategic Location for Expansion
Dubai’s real estate market has experienced a remarkable boost, with Indian investors injecting a staggering $335 million in the first half of 2023, according to data from Vestian, a leading international property consultant. The surge in investments further solidifies the growing economic ties between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), driven by Dubai’s strategic location and investor-friendly policies.
From 2020 to H1 2023, Indian Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) in Dubai witnessed an impressive growth, totaling $1.6 billion. The allure of Dubai’s tax-friendly policies and its strategic position as a global economic hub has acted as a catalyst for Indian investors and business owners seeking opportunities in new markets.
The FDI from India nearly doubled from 2020 to 2022, reaching $541 million in the latter year. Notably, the first six months of 2023 accounted for a substantial 62% of the total investments in the preceding year. Indian investors demonstrated a keen interest in Dubai’s residential market, making significant purchases exceeding $4 billion in 2022.
The post-COVID-19 era has seen a consistent uptrend in Indian investments in Dubai, showcasing a positive momentum that nearly doubled from 2020 to 2022. This optimistic trajectory is expected to align seamlessly with Dubai’s economic agenda outlined in D33, supporting the UAE’s ambitious goal to double Dubai’s GDP by 2033 and position the city as a global economic powerhouse.
In the first half of 2023, India emerged as one of the leading countries investing in Dubai, contributing $335 million. In terms of project investments, India outpaced countries like Canada and Latvia, participating in a total of 123 projects. Vestian’s CEO, Shrinivas Rao, emphasizes that the flourishing relationship between India and the UAE, fortified by the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in 2022, is instrumental in achieving the UAE government’s economic goals.
According to the Dubai FDI monitor, substantial investments from India have been directed towards the IT services and business services sectors. By the end of Q2 2023, Indian investors had injected $10.5 million, primarily in greenfield projects.
Rao notes that Dubai has become a preferred investment destination for Indian individuals and businesses, providing an attractive alternative to significant tax obligations in their home country. The recent announcement of a transnational rail and shipping route connecting the India-Middle East-Europe corridor during the G20 summit is expected to further enhance connectivity between the UAE and India, fostering economic development.
As Dubai continues to attract substantial investments from Indian investors, the robust relationship between the two nations is poised for further growth, contributing to the economic prosperity of both parties involved.
