This study analyses the impact of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and India on their trade and investment connections. The CEPA is a bilateral trade agreement that encompasses discussions on the exchange of services and investments, as well as other aspects of economic collaboration. This trade deal is India’s inaugural bilateral trade pact in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) area. The article employs several data sources and analytical techniques, including trade statistics, economic indicators, qualitative data, and econometric models, to examine and differentiate the trade and investment trends between India and the UAE prior to and following the CEPA agreement. The article also examines the potential variables that impacted the changes, including the tariff and non-tariff obstacles, market access and possibilities, political and diplomatic connections, and the regional and global context. The study reveals that the CEPA agreement has notably augmented the two-way trade and investment between India and the UAE, particularly in crucial industries such as mineral fuels, electrical machinery, gems and jewellery, vehicles, essential oils, cereals, and chemical products. The study also offers policy suggestions for strengthening their bilateral collaboration in the post-pandemic period.