The UAE continues to post impressive gains in global trade, led by exceptional non-oil trade growth. During the first half of the year, the country’s non-oil foreign trade exceeded AED1.7 trillion, marking a 24% increase over the previous year. This remarkable rise reflects sustained momentum in UAE non-oil trade growth.
The strong performance outpaces results from past years. Compared to the same period two years ago, trade grew by 59.5%. Furthermore, compared with last year’s record numbers, growth still surged by 37.8%. These trends confirm that UAE non-oil trade growth remains a major force in the region’s economy.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum confirmed these figures while highlighting the UAE’s global role in commerce. He emphasized the nation’s goal to become a top-tier trade partner and a central hub for international flows.
Moreover, the CEPA programme played a significant role in driving this expansion. Since launching the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement programme, the UAE has signed 28 trade deals. Ten of these deals are now in effect, allowing smooth access to markets with nearly 3 billion consumers.
Non-oil exports led the charge by growing 44.7%, reaching AED369.5 billion. Their share in total non-oil trade rose to 21.4%, a historic first. This was a notable jump from 18.4% the previous year and just 16.4% the year before that.
Among the top export destinations, Switzerland ranked first, followed by India, Turkey, and Hong Kong. Trade with CEPA partners alone totaled AED85.02 billion, growing 62.8% year-on-year. Notably, India imported AED51.45 billion worth of goods, showing a 97.6% increase.
Additionally, re-exports climbed to AED389 billion, registering consistent growth across the past three years. Exports to top 10 partner nations grew by 16.5%, while other global destinations saw a 12% increase.
Meanwhile, non-oil imports reached AED969.3 billion, growing by 22.5%. Imports from top trading partners rose 20.8%, while trade with the rest of the world jumped by 24.3%.
Bilateral trade also flourished. Trade with India rose 33.9%, with Switzerland by 120%, and with Saudi Arabia by 21.3%. In addition, the UAE’s trade with Turkey and the US grew by 41.4% and 29%, respectively. France also entered the top 10 list for the first time.
Altogether, these numbers prove that UAE non-oil trade growth remains a core driver of national prosperity. The strategy of global outreach and strong trade agreements continues to deliver outstanding results.
