How To Export From India To Dubai?

Sanidhya Negi / February 11, 2025

Have you ever wondered that why so many businesses choose to export to Dubai from India? Well! Dubai is a global trade hub with an increasing demand for Indian products like textiles, electronics, and food items. 

The UAE’s business-friendly policies, advanced infrastructure, and strong Indian community make it a perfect market expansion. However, exporting goods requires the right approach, proper documentation, and a reliable logistics partner. 

In this blog, we’ll explore everything you need to know to start and grow your export business in Dubai. 

List of Items Exported From India To Dubai

Before we get into how to export from India to Dubai, let’s look at the most popular products sent from India to the UAE. These products continue to dominate the India to Dubai export items list as they have a strong market and are shipped in large volumes.

Apparel and Fashion Wear: Indian garments are among the top exports to Dubai. In 2022, India shipped stitched garments worth USD 2 million and unstitched ones worth USD 1.6 million to the UAE.

Electronic Goods: Dubai is a key market for Indian electronic goods. In 2022, India exported USD 6.2 million worth of products like televisions, computers, and audio devices to the UAE and Dubai alone accounts for the highest demand in the region.

Fabrics and Textiles: India is a major textile exporter and Dubai exports from India in this category are huge. Khadi, silk, and other fabrics are widely shipped, thus making the UAE the biggest buyer of Indian textiles. 

Beauty and Personal Care Items: Personal care and beauty products from India sell well in Dubai. In 2019, items like perfumes, essential oils, and toiletries were exported to the UAE which amounted to USD 170 million.

Exporting from India to Dubai: Steps Involved

Exporting to the UAE can be a great opportunity for Indian businesses. The demand for Indian goods, especially handcrafted products, is high. If you want to start, here’s how you can do it.

Pick the Right Product: The very first step is to choose a product that sells well in the UAE. Indian handicrafts, textiles, and spices have a strong demand. Also, check if your product needs any special licenses before exporting.

Select the Best Shipping Hub: Your shipping location matters. Therefore, pick a place that connects well with roads and airports. While exporting, you can send goods to Dubai’s mainland or free zone. The free zone has no export taxes and fewer currency restrictions, making it a good option.

Get a Trade License: Before you ship, you need a trade license. First, register your business with the Department of Economic Development. Then, pay the required fees to get approval. This step is important for smooth shipping.

Follow Export Rules: Every country has different trade rules. India exports to UAE under strict guidelines. So stay updated with UAE’s import policies to avoid penalties or unexpected charges. This will ensure your shipment reaches without any trouble.

Benefits of Exporting to Dubai from India

Expanding your business globally can bring new growth opportunities. Dubai is one of the best markets for Indian exporters. India exports to UAE a wide range of goods, including textiles, food, electronics, and pharmaceuticals. If you plan to export to Dubai from India, here are the key advantages: 

Fast-Growing Market: Dubai is a major trade hub with a booming economy. The demand for Indian products is consistently high thus making it a profitable market for exporters. 

Advanced Infrastructure: The UAE has world-class ports, airports, and road networks that ensure fast and secure transportation of goods. This reduces shipping delays, prevents product damage, and makes international trade smoother for Indian exporters.

Diverse Consumer Base: Over 90% of Dubai’s population consists of expatriates from different countries. This creates a huge market for various Indian goods, including food, clothing, and electronics, increasing the chances of business success.

High Demand for Indian Products: Indian textiles, jewelry, machinery, food products, and pharmaceuticals are widely popular in Dubai. The UAE remains one of the largest importers of these goods as it offers stable and long-term trade opportunities for Indian businesses.

Business-Friendly Policies: The UAE government has introduced several policies to promote foreign trade. Indian exporters in Dubai get tax benefits, simplified customs procedures, and free trade zones which makes it easier for them to grow their businesses in the city.

Essential Documents For Exporting to Dubai From India

If you plan to export in Dubai, you should have the right documents. Proper paperwork ensures smooth customs clearance and avoids shipment delays. Here are the key documents required for exporting from India to the UAE:

Importer Exporter Code (IEC): This is a mandatory registration number issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). Without an IEC, businesses cannot export goods from India.

Airway Bill: This document serves as proof of shipment when sending goods by air. It contains details of the exporter, importer, and consignment.

Commercial Invoice & Packing List: A commercial invoice is a detailed invoice mentioning the value, description, and quantity of goods being exported. The packing list specifies the packaging details for easy identification.

Pro Forma Invoice: This is a preliminary bill shared with the buyer before the shipment. It includes product details, pricing, and terms of sale, which is required for customs clearance.

Bill of Lading: It is a critical shipping document required for sea freight. It acts as proof of cargo ownership and is issued by the shipping company upon loading the goods.

Certificate of Origin: This document confirms that the exported goods are manufactured in India. It is necessary to qualify for preferential tariff benefits under trade agreements.

How to Grow Your Export Business in the UAE?

Expanding your export business to the UAE takes the right strategy. Export to Dubai from India is easier when you build trust, maintain quality, and have strong logistics support. Here’s what you should do:

Connect With Buyers in Dubai: Buyers in Dubai prefer international brands only when they trust them. So, build relationships by attending trade shows and networking events. Also, partner with local courier services to make deliveries smooth and reliable.

Make Your Business Visible Online: Your business should be easy to find online. List your products on platforms like Amazon and eBay. Create a website with a UAE-specific domain to attract local buyers.

Offer Top-Quality Products: Buyers expect high-quality products. So, make sure your export items meet all UAE regulations. Good quality builds your reputation and increases repeat business.

Work With a Reliable Shipping Partner: A trusted logistics partner makes export to Dubai from India easier. They help you avoid customs delays, keep track of shipments, and ensure all documents are in place.

Work With Bigship for Logistics Support

Shipping internationally comes with challenges but Bigship makes it simple. It offers reliable shipping solutions to help you reduce export costs from India to Dubai. The expansive network of Bigship ensures smooth deliveries, hassle-free documentation, and real-time tracking. Export charges from India to Dubai are around INR 1170 per kg, but the rates drop when you ship in bulk with Bigship. It offers benefits like affordable pricing, customs clearance support, and end-to-end logistics assistance. 

Conclusion

If you plan to expand your business to Dubai, it will open up huge opportunities for you. The demand for Indian goods is rising, and India export to UAE continue to grow year by year. From textiles to electronics, the India to Dubai export items list covers a wide range of products. 

The success of any business depends on proper planning, compliance, and efficient shipping. A trusted logistics partner can make the process easier. And Bigship offers seamless shipping, affordable rates, and complete export support.

Sign up today with Bigship and start exporting to Dubai!

FAQs

Ques: How to Export Goods from India to Dubai?
Ans: To export to Dubai from India, you need to register your business and obtain an Importer Exporter Code (IEC). You must also comply with UAE’s trade regulations and secure the required documents, such as a Certificate of Origin, Commercial Invoice, and Airway bill or Bill of Lading. Then lastly choosing a reliable logistics partner, like Bigship, ensures smooth shipping and customs clearance.

Ques: What Products Are Restricted from Exporting to the UAE?
Ans: Certain goods cannot be exported to the UAE due to legal and safety regulations. Some of these include narcotics, gambling devices, Israeli goods, betel leaves, E-cigarettes, and products that conflict with Islam.