India, Oct. 10 -- Indian founders seem to have discovered greener pastures in the City of Gold as 9,000 firms set up shops in Dubai in the first six months of this year alone.

The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed between India and the UAE in 2022, which was laid out to reshape the economic corridor between the two nations, has been a significant factor in this gold rush.

By lowering tariffs on most goods, easing non-tariff barriers and providing clearer rules for services and digital trade, the CEPA has cut down on the entry cost and given the Indian firms better predictability when planning cross-border ventures.

The impact is evident: non-oil trade between India and Dubai surpassed AED 193 Bn in 2024, cement...