UAE–India Desk

Indian counsel for UAE-based law firms, family offices, and businesses investing in India

The India–UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which came into force in May 2022, has significantly deepened the already substantial bilateral relationship. The UAE is India's third-largest trade partner, bilateral trade exceeded USD 85 billion in 2022–23, and the UAE is among the top five sources of FDI into India. The Indian diaspora in the UAE — numbering over 3.5 million — generates a significant NRI investment flow into Indian real estate, equities, and businesses. RevLaw's UAE Desk advises UAE-based law firms, DIFC-regulated entities, family offices, and Indian diaspora entrepreneurs on all aspects of India-related legal matters.

Bilateral Context

The India-UAE CEPA provides for zero-duty or reduced-duty trade across hundreds of product categories and includes commitments on services and investment. UAE investors in India benefit from the India-UAE Investment Protection Agreement (2013). The UAE acceded to the New York Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards in 2006, which means UAE-seated awards (including DIAC, ADCCAC, and ADGM arbitrations with New York Convention-compliant rules) are enforceable in India under Sections 47–49 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act 1996. NRI investments from UAE are governed by FEMA — the RBI requires specific compliance for NRE/NRO account operations and Indian property acquisition.

Typical Mandates

NRI and UAE-resident Indian investment in Indian real estate and equities — FEMA compliance

UAE family office investment into Indian startups and mid-market companies

Enforcement of DIAC or ADCCAC arbitral awards in India

India-UAE trade finance and letter of credit disputes

CEPA tariff and origin advisory for goods exported from India to UAE

Indian company incorporation for UAE-based promoters seeking India entry

Key Legal Frameworks

India-UAE CEPA (2022)

Provides for preferential tariffs on goods and investment protections between India and UAE.

FEMA (NDI) Rules 2019

Governs NRI/PIO investment from UAE into Indian equities, real estate, and companies.

India-UAE Investment Protection Agreement

Bilateral investment treaty providing substantive investment protections for UAE investors in India.

DIAC Rules

Dubai International Arbitration Centre rules — RevLaw advises on Indian law aspects and enforcement in India.

Get in Touch with the UAE–India Desk

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