Trade snapshot
- Currency
- UAE dirham (AED)
Top Indian exports to United Arab Emirates
| Product group | Value (US$ bn, CY2025) |
|---|---|
| Gems, precious metals & jewellery | 9.29 |
| Mineral fuels/petroleum products | 6.29 |
| Electrical & electronic equipment incl. smartphones | 5.26 |
| Machinery | 2.34 |
| Vehicles | 1.24 |
| Ships/boats | 1.15 |
| Articles of iron/steel | 0.93 |
| Knit apparel | 0.73 |
| Woven apparel | 0.63 |
HS-chapter level, UN Comtrade calendar-year data.
What India imports from United Arab Emirates
| Product group | Value (US$ bn, CY2025) |
|---|---|
| Mineral fuels/crude & LNG | 23.47 |
| Gems, gold & precious metals | 20.93 |
| Inorganic chemicals | 4.15 |
| Aircraft | 1.95 |
| Copper | 1.28 |
| Plastics | 0.95 |
Regulators and import rules in United Arab Emirates
Key bodies: Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) / Dubai Customs / Abu Dhabi Customs; MOCCAE (food, agri, plant & animal health, halal); MoIAT (ECAS/EQM conformity marks, ex-ESMA) [S18]; Dubai Municipality Food Safety Dept (FIRS food import, Montaji for cosmetics/consumer products); ADAFSA (Abu Dhabi food/agri); Emirates Drug Establishment & MOHAP (pharma); TDRA (telecom equipment).
General import documentation
| Requirement | Regulator | Document |
|---|---|---|
| Customs duty | UAE Federal Customs Authority / Dubai Customs | 5% CIF general (GCC CET); 0% many foods; CEPA preference with CoO |
| VAT | Federal Tax Authority | 5% VAT; import VAT via registered importer |
General guidance; confirm with your customs broker.
Shipping from India to United Arab Emirates
Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Nhava Sheva) → Jebel Ali: 3-6 days typical. Direct daily/near-daily services; feeders from all Indian ports; Gulf services were affected by the 2026 Hormuz disruption - check carrier advisories
Main ports and entry points: Jebel Ali (DP World, Dubai); Khalifa Port (Abu Dhabi); Port Rashid; Port Khalid & Khorfakkan (Sharjah); Fujairah. Air: DXB, DWC, AUH, SHJ
Indian community
4,344,008 (NRI 4,326,248 + PIO 17,760) — largest NRI population after Saudi/US [S6]
Cities in United Arab Emirates
Products we supply to United Arab Emirates
Products we import from United Arab Emirates
Frequently asked questions
How much does India export to United Arab Emirates?
US$36.64 bn in FY2024-25 (DGCI&S quick estimates), led by gems, precious metals & jewellery, mineral fuels/petroleum products, electrical & electronic equipment incl. smartphones.
Does India have a free trade agreement with United Arab Emirates?
India–UAE CEPA in force since 1 May 2022 — zero/reduced duty on ~97% of UAE tariff lines over time with a CEPA certificate of origin [S7][S8][06 §C.1]
How long is shipping from India to United Arab Emirates?
Typically 3–6 d to Jebel Ali (daily direct services; 2026 Hormuz disruption — check carrier advisories) [06 §F.2] — ASSUMPTION (consultant judgement; no carrier schedule fetchable) days at sea (estimate), depending on port pair and routing.
Which authorities regulate imports in United Arab Emirates?
Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) / Dubai Customs / Abu Dhabi Customs; MOCCAE (food, agri, plant & animal health, halal); MoIAT (ECAS/EQM conformity marks, ex-ESMA) [S18]; Dubai Municipality Food Safety Dept (FIRS food import, Montaji for cosmetics/consumer products); ADAFSA (Abu Dhabi food/agri).
Sourcing for United Arab Emirates?
Tell us the product, quantity and your port.