Cepa a boost to Indian brands looking to expand in the UAE

Cepa a boost to Indian brands looking to expand in the UAE

Several sectors are benefiting from the lowering of trade barriers between the two countries

Indian jewellery brands have a strong presence in the lucrative UAE market. - KT file

Published: Mon 3 Apr 2023, 2:12 PM Last updated: Mon 3 Apr 2023, 2:35 PM

As the trade relations between India and the UAE strengthen along the lines of the Indo-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (Cepa) and India’s exports to the region continue to grow, more Indian brands will emerge targeting the UAE market with new and innovative products, further cementing their presence in the region and beyond to international markets, research shows.

Historically, Indian brands have leveraged their entry into the Middle East to gain access to existing and new customers with familiar ethnicities, wide international networks and explore various avenues of collaboration with other brands.

The region is home to a high concentration of expatriates with strong purchasing power.

“India’s brands are looking to tap into UAE’s affluent, well-developed retail market and target the increasing demand from the diaspora of Indian customers, both online and offline. Dubai’s appeal as a prime tourist destination is not only attributed to its affluent native Indian population but also to its well-established infrastructure, luxurious resorts, elevated shopping experiences, hospitable