Indian Companies Expand into GCC and UAE Despite West Asia Conflict
Despite disruptions to global trade caused by the ongoing conflict in West Asia, Indian companies across healthcare, retail jewellery, and consumer durables are moving forward with plans to expand their footprint in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, utilizing the United Arab Emirates as a primary gateway.
Eye care chain Dr Agarwal’s Health Care is preparing to enter the GCC market with upcoming facilities in the UAE. The healthcare provider currently operates 19 hospitals across nine countries in Africa. Patients from the GCC account for more than 25 percent of its total international patient base, with patient traffic led by the UAE, followed by Saudi Arabia and Oman.
Adil Agarwal, CEO of Dr Agarwal’s Health Care, noted that while the expansion process slowed slightly due to the regional situation, the group is evaluating the market and waiting for conditions to settle. Dr Agarwal’s Health Care chairman Amar Agarwal described the GCC as a high-potential area supported by stable governments, strong economic conditions, and existing patient trust in the brand.
Retail jewellery brand Tanishq is similarly focusing its overseas expansion on the GCC and the United States. The brand currently operates 30 outlets across Singapore, West Asia, and the US, adding an average of 10 to 15 international outlets each year. Arun Narayan, CEO of Titan Company's jewellery division, stated that expansion efforts will focus primarily on the US, the UAE, Kuwait, and Oman. He added that customer demand in the GCC has shown revival during periods of calm.
Consumer durables manufacturer Usha International is also setting up offices in Dubai to support distribution across the Middle East and Africa. Dubai represents 4 to 5 percent of the firm’s total exports, which include sewing machines, auto parts, and approximately four lakh fans shipped annually. Anil Dua, COO of Usha International, confirmed that the Dubai location will serve as an operational base for wider regional reach.
