Export to the Middle East from India and go global
Sell to customers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia.
Why expand to the Middle East?
Top export destination for India
The UAE and Saudi Arabia are emerging Amazon global marketplaces for Indian exporters looking to expand their business and sell products to new international customers.
High purchasing power and consumer demand
The GDP per capita of the UAE and Saudi Arabia is over $81,000 and $61,000 respectively, indicating a consumer base with significant disposable income.1
Year-round international sale events
Exporters can increase revenue by selling during peak sale events like Prime Day, Christmas, Singles Day, Ramadan, and Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Bilateral economic and commercial relation
India’s bilateral trade with countries in the Middle East has been growing steadily over the years. Trade agreements like the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) enable Indian exporters to get duty-free access to the UAE market.2
India to the Middle East export trends
$56.3 billion
Total exports from India to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in FY 2023–24.3
100%
Internet penetration in top marketplaces like Saudi Arabia and the UAE.4
7443
Total exported commodities to the UAE in FY24.5
Top products to export to the Middle East
Some of the top product categories on Amazon marketplaces in the Middle East are:
Kitchen
Apparel
Toys
Beauty
Health and personal care
Home
Where can you sell in the Middle East with Amazon?
Amazon global marketplaces are gateways for Indian sellers to reach millions of customers in the Middle East. The primary platforms are:
Amazon.ae
(United Arab Emirates)
Launched in 2019, Amazon.ae offers a familiar Amazon interface and robust infrastructure. Sellers can leverage Amazon FBA for handling storage, packing, shipping, and customer service, simplifying logistics operations.
Amazon.sa
(Saudi Arabia)
Amazon.sa launched in 2020, opened up the largest market in the Gulf Cooperation Council to international sellers. Sellers can leverage Amazon FBA for handling storage, packing, shipping, and customer service, simplifying logistics operations.
Did you know?
Singles Day sale
Singles Day is one of the largest e-commerce sale events in the Middle East. Celebrated on 11 November, this sale is spread across two days in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. It marks the beginning of the holiday season for Indian exporters selling in the Middle East.
Documents required to export to the Middle East from India
Key documents required for export:
Importer Exporter Code (IEC)
Importer Exporter Code (IEC) is a 10-digit unique identification number allotted to an importer or exporter by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). It is issued based on the Permanent Account Number (PAN) of a business.
Letter of Undertaking
GST Letter of Undertaking (LUT) is a document filed to export products without paying IGST (Integrated Goods and Services Tax). Exporters can generate an LUT on the GST portal and avail the benefits of zero-rated turnover.
Importer of Record
An Importer of Record (IOR) is an individual or entity responsible for all documentation related to the import of goods into a country. An IOR is responsible for ensuring inspection and valuation of goods, and filing duties, taxes and other relevant documents.
Other documents required for export to the Middle East
Depending on your product category and shipment method, you may need certain additional documents to export to the UAE:
● Airway bill
● Commercial invoice cum packing list
● Pro forma invoice
● Bill of lading
● Certificate of origin
● Certificate of inspection (if applicable)
● Other product-specific documents (if applicable)
● Commercial invoice cum packing list
● Pro forma invoice
● Bill of lading
● Certificate of origin
● Certificate of inspection (if applicable)
● Other product-specific documents (if applicable)
Need assistance with export documentation?
Visit Export Navigator, our one-stop export compliance dashboard to view documentation requirements and connect with service providers.
Ready to expand to the Middle East?
Starting an e-commerce exports business is easy and hassle-free with Amazon. Below are the steps you can follow to start exporting:
Step 1: Decide what to sell
Choosing what products to export to the Middle East by analyzing product demand and consumer behavior.
Step 2: Register and create a seller account
Register and create your Amazon global seller account by submitting a few KYC details and credit card information.
Step 3: List your products
Once registered, list your products. You need to have SKU details and other product information (model number, size, expiry date, etc.).
Step 4: Ship your products and fulfill orders
Choose to manage your own logistics or get expert support from Amazon to store, pack, ship, and deliver internationally with Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA).
Step 5: Receive payments and grow your business
Receive payments in INR directly in your bank account and use tools like Amazon Advertising, A+ Content and Brand Registry to grow your business.
Frequently Asked Questions
I am already selling on Amazon.in and have a Seller Central account. How can I sell globally with Amazon?
If you are already selling on Amazon.in, all you need to do is decide the country you want to sell in and simply follow the easy steps mentioned here.
I don’t have an Amazon India seller account. Can I still sell on other Amazon international marketplaces like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, etc.?
Yes, absolutely. You do not need an existing Amazon.in seller account to start selling internationally. You can register directly on the desired Amazon marketplace, such as Amazon.ae (UAE) or Amazon.sa (Saudi Arabia), through the Amazon Global Selling program by providing the necessary business and identity documentation required for that specific region.
What are the product categories that I can export in the Middle East with Amazon Global Selling?
You can export products across a wide range of categories to the Middle East with Amazon Global Selling, including beauty, health and personal care, home, apparel, toys, and kitchen products. When selling in the Middle East, ensure your products comply with local regulations and Amazon marketplace policies.
Ready to expand to the Middle East?
Sell to customers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia.
Sources:
1. https://www.imf.org/external/datamapper/PPPPC@WEO/SAU/QAT/KWT/ARE/BHR
2. https://www.moec.gov.ae/en/cepa_india
3. https://www.eoiriyadh.gov.in/page/india-gcc-relations/
4. https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/IT.NET.USER.ZS
5. https://www.ibef.org/indian-exports/india-uae-trade
1. https://www.imf.org/external/datamapper/PPPPC@WEO/SAU/QAT/KWT/ARE/BHR
2. https://www.moec.gov.ae/en/cepa_india
3. https://www.eoiriyadh.gov.in/page/india-gcc-relations/
4. https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/IT.NET.USER.ZS
5. https://www.ibef.org/indian-exports/india-uae-trade
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