UAE’s deputy PM inaugurates DP World’s Nhava Sheva business park

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence of the UAE, inaugurated DP World's Free Trade Warehousing Zone (FTWZ) – the Nhava Sheva Business Park (NSBP) – in Mumbai.

The Nhava Sheva Business Park near Mumbai offers 1 million sq. ft. of warehousing space, with another one million in the planning stage. It offers specialized and temperature-controlled spaces, catering to diverse industry needs. "As part of DP World’s global network of 12 Free Trade Warehousing Zones (FTWZs)—including the Integrated Chennai Business Park in Tamil Nadu and the Cochin Economic Zone in Kochi—the Nhava Sheva Business Park enhances India-UAE trade by reducing costs, improving efficiency, and boosting supply chain competitiveness," reads the release. 

Sheikh Hamdan said: “The UAE and India share a long-standing and deep-rooted economic partnership. The establishment of world-class logistics infrastructure, such as the Nhava Sheva Business Park, not only strengthens the trade connectivity between our nations but also reinforces our shared vision for growth, innovation, and sustainability.

DP World has developed 3 world-leading Free Trade Warehousing Zones in India with an investment of over $200 million. Located close to India’s coasts, they offer advanced infrastructure, flexible warehousing, ease of regulations, and seamless value-added services, making operations simpler.

During the crown prince's visit to India, DP World made several announcements including the commenced the construction of Bharat Mart, a global B2B and B2C marketplace in Dubai, and the MoU signed with RITES.

Bharat Mart is set to open by the end of 2026. With construction underway, DP World is paving the way for a transformative marketplace that will redefine global trade links between India, the Middle East, and beyond.

Spanning 2.7 million square feet, with its initial phase covering 1.3 million square feet, Bharat Mart will serve as a key trading hub for Indian MSMEs. Strategically located in Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA). The facility will feature 1,500 showrooms, and over 700,000 square feet of state-of-the-art warehousing, light industrial units, office spaces, meeting facilities with dedicated space for women led businesses from India.

Just 11 km from Jebel Ali Port, 15 km from Al Maktoum International Airport and with Etihad Rail access in close proximity, Bharat Mart offers Indian businesses seamless access to a multimodal logistics network. Through Jebel Ali’s ecosystem, the exporters will connect to 150 maritime destinations, air and links to over 300 cities worldwide, enhancing market reach and efficiency.

Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Piyush Goyal, said, “Bharat Mart is a transformative project launched by DP World with immense potential and we keenly await its completion. DP World's efforts around developing the Virtual Trade Corridor between India and UAE will ensure that trade and commerce scales new heights in the spirit envisaged by the India-UAE CEPA. We also appreciate the efforts of DP World in building new dimensions and opportunities that will enable Indian businesses/MSMEs to reach African markets.”

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO, DP World, added: “India and the UAE aim to reach $100 billion in non-oil trade by 2030, and Bharat Mart will be a key driver in achieving this milestone. DP World remains committed to enhancing trade by developing world-class logistics infrastructure, unlocking new markets, and supporting sustainable economic growth.”

The MoU with RITES aims to foster mutual collaboration by exploring joint opportunities in infrastructure development, including ports, multimodal logistics parks, free trade zones, rail connectivity projects, and logistics infrastructure services.

Rahul Mithal, Chairman and Managing Director, RITES Limited, said, “This is an alliance of like-minded entities, bringing in experience, expertise, and a rich legacy. By leveraging our collective strengths and resources, we are poised to create transformative synergies across key infrastructure projects, setting new benchmarks in operational excellence across global logistics initiatives.”

Meanwhile, DP World announced growth at its Mundra International Container Terminal (MICT), handling 1,497,228 TEUS in FY 24-25, a growth over 13% compared to FY 23-24. The terminal serviced 762 vessels, marking a 6% increase compared to the previous fiscal year.

DP World Mundra achieved its highest-ever monthly volume in March 2025, handling 138,983 TEUs—surpassing the previous record of 138,000 TEUs in January 2025.