Sheikh Hamdan Inaugurates DP World’s New Trade Hub In India

In a powerful demonstration of the ever-deepening economic ties between the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of India, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence of the UAE, inaugurated a cutting-edge Free Trade Warehousing Zone (FTWZ) developed by DP World in Mumbai. The event marked a key milestone in the bilateral relationship, highlighting shared ambitions in logistics, infrastructure, and sustainable trade growth. The Nhava Sheva Business Park (NSBP), as the new facility is known, represents the UAE’s continued investment in India’s growing trade economy and is expected to serve as a springboard for expanding regional and global trade connectivity.

A Symbol of Strengthened UAE-India Economic Relations

The historic inauguration of the Nhava Sheva Business Park by Sheikh Hamdan is more than a ceremonial event—it reflects decades of mutual cooperation and economic convergence between the UAE and India. The two nations share a trade relationship that dates back centuries, but over recent decades, it has evolved into a multidimensional economic partnership encompassing investment, energy, infrastructure, technology, and now a deeper commitment to logistics and trade enablement.

In his remarks during the inauguration, Sheikh Hamdan praised the resilience and dynamism of UAE-India relations, stating that the two countries are united by a shared vision for economic growth, innovation, and sustainability. He emphasized that developments like the NSBP reflect the strategic importance both nations place on building future-ready infrastructure that drives cross-border trade and supports national economic agendas.

The Role of Nhava Sheva Business Park in Trade Facilitation

Situated near the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), India’s largest container port, the Nhava Sheva Business Park is strategically located to enhance the efficiency and speed of cargo movement within the subcontinent and beyond. Operated by DP World, a Dubai-based global leader in logistics and smart trade, the facility is equipped with world-class warehousing capabilities and advanced digital systems to streamline the storage, handling, and clearance of goods.

The FTWZ model offers businesses the advantage of operating in a tariff- and tax-exempt environment, reducing overhead costs and increasing profitability. It is designed to serve as a distribution center not only for India but for wider regional markets, providing companies with easy access to consumers across South Asia and the Indian Ocean region.

The NSBP is poised to become a pivotal node in DP World’s expanding global network of Free Trade Zones, and its role in integrating Indian supply chains with global commerce cannot be overstated.

DP World’s Commitment to Future-Ready Logistics Infrastructure DP World’s investment in the NSBP underscores the company’s broader strategy to establish a seamless global network of logistics hubs that can support businesses of all sizes. As global trade continues to evolve, the ability to store, sort, and distribute goods efficiently has become a critical component of competitiveness.

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, has previously stated that the company views India as one of its most important global markets. The NSBP forms a central piece of DP World’s long-term India strategy, which includes investments in ports, terminals, inland logistics, and technology.

Beyond infrastructure, DP World is also integrating digital tools such as blockchain, AI, and IoT into its FTWZ operations to provide real-time visibility and enhanced data analytics for customers. This is in alignment with both UAE’s and India’s push toward smart trade ecosystems and digitized commerce.

Promoting Inclusive Economic Development

One of the most notable aspects of the NSBP is its emphasis on inclusive employment, particularly the empowerment of women in logistics roles. DP World has made a bold commitment to staffing many of its warehousing operations with women, particularly in the South and Central Asia (SCO) region.

This effort reflects a broader corporate philosophy that economic growth must be inclusive and equitable. By creating new employment opportunities for women in skilled logistics and technology roles, DP World is not only contributing to gender parity but also enhancing productivity and innovation within its operations.

The move has received praise from both local and international observers, including policy-makers and development organizations, who view such initiatives as integral to sustainable economic development.

Boosting Trade Under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)

The opening of the Nhava Sheva Business Park comes in the wake of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed between India and the UAE in 2022. The agreement, which aims to reduce tariffs and facilitate the smoother movement of goods and services, has already led to significant growth in bilateral trade.

Since CEPA came into effect, trade volumes between the two countries have surged, with Indian exports to the UAE expanding across sectors such as gems and jewelry, electronics, textiles, and food products. Meanwhile, the UAE has stepped up its investments in Indian infrastructure, real estate, and green energy projects.

The NSBP is expected to serve as a key infrastructure asset supporting CEPA’s objectives, particularly by offering businesses a platform to store goods duty-free, repackage them, and redistribute to other markets, thereby increasing trade efficiency and reducing costs.

A Shared Vision for Innovation and Sustainability

Sheikh Hamdan highlighted that the new facility is more than just a logistical node—it is a statement of purpose. In a world where trade flows are becoming increasingly complex, nations must invest in intelligent infrastructure that supports speed, sustainability, and scalability.

He remarked that the UAE and India are aligned in their vision of using innovation to power economic transformation. The NSBP features several green initiatives, including energy-efficient design, solar power integration, and digital systems aimed at reducing waste and emissions.

Such commitments are in sync with the UAE’s Year of Sustainability and India’s push toward a green economy. Through infrastructure projects like this, both nations are signaling their determination to meet climate goals while supporting economic expansion.

Women-Centric Warehousing and DP World’s Social Strategy

Another standout feature of the NSBP is its focus on employing women in traditionally male-dominated logistics roles. DP World has already piloted this model in other parts of the world, and the Mumbai facility is expected to build on this success.

By training and hiring women in warehousing, logistics management, and digital operations, DP World is tackling gender stereotypes and unlocking untapped labor potential. This strategy is in line with UAE’s global advocacy for gender equality and women’s empowerment and also resonates strongly with India’s goals of increasing female participation in the workforce.

Early feedback from the pilot programs has shown measurable benefits in both productivity and morale, reinforcing DP World’s belief that diversity leads to stronger business outcomes.

Strengthening South Asia and Indian Ocean Trade Corridors

The significance of the NSBP also lies in its potential to connect trade routes across the South Asian and Indian Ocean regions. As the geopolitical and economic center of gravity shifts toward Asia, India’s location and its links with the Middle East, East Africa, and Southeast Asia make it a critical trade hub.

The UAE’s strategic investments in such infrastructure projects not only enhance its own trade capacity but also offer synergistic benefits to regional economies. With its new warehousing hub in Mumbai, DP World is now better positioned to create seamless trade corridors that link manufacturers, traders, and consumers across continents.

The NSBP will also provide exporters and importers with the flexibility to manage their inventories closer to market demand points, reduce time-to-market, and improve the reliability of their supply chains.

Leadership Diplomacy and Global Influence

Sheikh Hamdan’s presence at the inauguration sends a powerful diplomatic signal about the UAE’s commitment to nurturing deep and lasting relationships with strategic partners like India. His participation elevates the event from a corporate milestone to a moment of national significance, reinforcing the UAE’s role as a global leader in economic diplomacy and soft power.

The Crown Prince’s engagements in India also reflect broader regional and global trends. As nations reassess their supply chain dependencies and seek new growth avenues in a post-pandemic world, the UAE is demonstrating how targeted investments, backed by visionary leadership, can drive meaningful change and foster resilient economies.

Vision for the Future of Trade and Connectivity

With the inauguration of the Nhava Sheva Business Park, the UAE and India are laying the foundation for the future of trade—one that is digital, sustainable, inclusive, and efficient. The NSBP symbolizes a new chapter in the centuries-old relationship between two nations that have always found common ground in commerce and culture.

As global supply chains continue to evolve, facilities like the NSBP will become central to how nations manage inventory, respond to consumer demand, and navigate a complex and rapidly changing trade landscape. Through projects like these, the UAE is not only investing in infrastructure but also in ideas and values that will shape global trade for generations to come.