Abu Dhabi is increasingly becoming a strong location for Indian firms. These companies are leveraging the emirate’s business environment, infrastructure and regional reach. For Indian businesses whether in services, manufacturing or healthcare. Abu Dhabi offers a clear pathway to the Gulf and beyond.

Indian companies enjoy a familiar cultural context in Abu Dhabi while also accessing new markets, efficient logistics and investment-friendly policies. The ties between India and the UAE deepen year-by-year, making this landscape both practical and promising for firms based in India.

In the following sections, we’ll explore why Indian companies are choosing Abu Dhabi, highlight recent data, show sectoral examples and outline how firms can establish themselves there.

Why Abu Dhabi Attracts Indian Firms

Strategic location

Abu Dhabi sits at the heart of the Gulf region. From here, Indian businesses can reach markets in the Middle East, Africa, South Asia and even Europe. This geographic access offers an edge for companies aiming for regional expansion.

Business-friendly environment

The emirate offers rules and regulations that support foreign investment. Many sectors allow majority foreign ownership. Fees are competitive. Processes are streamlined. For Indian companies, this means smoother entry and clearer growth paths.

Strong India-UAE economic links

India and the UAE enjoy deep trade ties and mutual business frameworks. One recent report noted that over 22,415 new Indian companies entered the UAE market in the first half of 2025—marking a 10 % increase compared with the same span in 2024. This surge underscores the growing confidence Indian firms have in the UAE.

Diverse sectors and opportunity

Indian firms are not confined to one industry. They move into healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, services, chemicals and retail. This diversity allows many kinds of companies—large and small—to find their niche in Abu Dhabi.

Cultural and human-capital advantage

India’s large expatriate population in the UAE and familiarity of Indian businesses with Gulf markets. It helps reduce setup friction. Indian firms often benefit from established networks, talent, supply-chains and partners in the region.

Recent Data and Trends

The rise in Indian business presence in the UAE is backed by data:

• More than 22,415 new Indian companies were registered in the UAE in H1 2025.
• Indian firms are taking advantage of industrial investment incentives. The manufacturing sector’s contribution to non-oil GDP in the UAE reached 13.5 % in 2024.
• Indian-origin healthcare organisations have major operations in Abu Dhabi. For example, VPS Healthcare, founded by an Indian entrepreneur and headquartered in Abu Dhabi, runs several hospitals and clinics across the UAE and beyond.

These data points show a clear trend: Indian companies are not only entering but also scaling operations in the emirate.

Sectoral Highlights: Examples of Indian Company Activity

Healthcare & Life Sciences

VPS Healthcare is a key illustration. The group, founded by an Indian-born entrepreneur, has built multiple hospitals and medical centres in Abu Dhabi. It demonstrates how Indian firms can successfully operate in healthcare, a high-value sector with regional demand.

Manufacturing & Chemicals

Indian companies in manufacturing and chemicals are making headway. For example, Indian refiner-major firms have won production licences for onshore blocks in Abu Dhabi. Reuters Such activity reflects deep commitment and entry into strategic sectors.

Professional Services & Consulting

Indian law and consultancy firms are also expanding in Abu Dhabi. A recent move saw a full-service Indian law firm gain approval to open offices in Abu Dhabi’s business and financial zones. The Economic Times This highlights how services firms are leveraging the India-UAE corridor.

Retail and Consumer Goods

Indian retail brands and goods suppliers often find Abu Dhabi a strong zone for GCC distribution. A strong expatriate base and high-quality infrastructure make it a viable choice for such companies.

How Indian Firms Can Establish in Abu Dhabi

If you represent an Indian company planning entry, here are practical steps:

Understand licensing and location

Abu Dhabi offers different zones: free-zones, onshore hubs, and external partnerships. Identify the zone that fits your business model: manufacturing, services, trade or retail. The right location impacts cost, ownership and access.

Choose a legal structure

Decide whether you’ll set up as a wholly-owned entity, joint venture or branch office. For services and professional firms, local partnership or licence support may matter.

Engage local partners and networks

Local business relationships help. Indian firms often benefit from local advisors, networks connecting Indian business communities and support groups. The Indian Business & Professional Group (IBPG) in Abu Dhabi is one such body. IBPG Abu Dhabi

Tap into human-resource and talent pipelines

Plan for talent from both India and the UAE. Hire staff who understand regional norms, language and business practices. Skilled workers and bilingual personnel help accelerate growth.

Comply with regulations and incentives

Abu Dhabi offers incentives in sectors like manufacturing, logistics and advanced technology. Make sure you explore any tax breaks, co-investment frameworks or subsidy options.

Build your timing and scaling strategy

Start with a regional base, then expand into neighbouring markets. Use Abu Dhabi as a hub for Gulf operations. Scale carefully—balance cost, growth and regulatory exposure.

Why Indian Firms Can Enjoy a Long-Term Advantage

The advantages for Indian companies in Abu Dhabi are not short-lived. They include:

• Established trade ties and cultural synergy between India and the UAE
• A growing GCC market for Indian goods and services
• A diversified economy in Abu Dhabi that is moving beyond oil into manufacturing, tech, healthcare and logistics
• Strong regional connectivity: sea-ports, airports and free-zones link Abu Dhabi to India, Africa and Europe
• A supportive government environment with clear rules for foreign firms

Because of these factors, Indian companies have a durable platform in Abu Dhabi—not a fleeting opportunity but a sustainable one.

Many Indian companies have a presence in Abu Dhabi across various sectors, including IT (TCS, Wipro, HCLTech), engineering and construction (Larsen & Toubro), banking (ICICI Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank), and healthcare (VPS Healthcare). Recent investments, such as those from Jindal Saw and Haldirams, are boosting manufacturing, and other Indian companies are expanding in professional services, retail, and food sectors. 

IT and technology

• TCS: Information technology services and consulting.
• Wipro: Information technology services and consulting.
• HCLTech: Information technology services and consulting.
• LTIMindtree: Information technology services and consulting.
• Tech Mahindra: Information technology services and consulting. 

Engineering, construction, and manufacturing

• Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T): Engineering and construction.
• Jindal Saw: Investing in manufacturing infrastructure.
• Haldirams: Investing in a manufacturing hub.
• Tata Projects: Engineering and construction.
• Megha Engineering & Infrastructures: Energy and infrastructure. 

Banking and finance 

• ICICI Bank: Banking services.
• Kotak Mahindra Bank: Banking services.
• Yes Bank: Banking services. 

Healthcare

• VPS Healthcare: Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, it operates multiple hospitals and medical centers in the UAE. 

Retail and food

• Nykaa: Beauty and wellness retailer.
• Anita Dongre: Fashion retailer.
• The Big Chill: Restaurant chain.
• Titan’s Mia: Jewellery. 

Other notable companies

• Essar: Has secured contracts in the UAE.
• Engineers India Ltd: Has secured contracts in the UAE.
• Bhatia Brothers: A diversified group with an office in Abu Dhabi.
• Consolidated Shipping Services: Logistics and shipping

Key Messages for Indian Leaders Considering Abu Dhabi

• Abu Dhabi is ready for Indian businesses that aim to freight goods, deliver services, manufacture equipment or invest in growth sectors.
• The cost of entry and setup is manageable compared to many global hubs.
• The human capital advantage is strong: many Indian expatriates live and work in the UAE, making local hiring smoother.
• While Dubai often gets headlines, Abu Dhabi offers stability, long-term infrastructure, and a distinguished investment climate that complements Indian expansion strategies.
• Timing now is relevant: with Indian firms already entering at scale, being an early mover adds benefit.

Indian companies stand at a promising threshold in Abu Dhabi. The emirate offers access, affordability and a friendly regulatory setting for firms that aim to grow regionally. The recent data demonstrates a clear increase in Indian business entry, a spread across sectors, and solid performance in Abu Dhabi’s business ecosystem.

Whether you are in healthcare, manufacturing, services, consulting or retail—Abu Dhabi makes sense as a strategic base. For Indian firms with ambition, it offers the chance to grow, export regionally and build a long-term presence.