UAE's Non-Oil Trade Exceeds AED1.7 trillion in First Half of 2025
In the first half of 2025, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) witnessed remarkable growth in its non-oil foreign trade, with a significant increase in non-oil exports, strengthened trade relations with global partners, and robust economic performance underpinning the expansion.
Sheikh Mohammed, the ruler of Dubai and Prime Minister of the UAE, praised the nation's progress and reaffirmed the UAE's status as a reliable trading hub and strategic economic partner on the world stage. The UAE's non-oil foreign trade reached an impressive AED 1.728 trillion (USD 470.3 billion), marking a 24% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
Non-oil exports alone surged by more than 44.7%, contributing a record 21.4% share to total non-oil trade—the highest in the nation's history. This export growth quadrupled since 2019, indicating rapid expansion in the UAE's manufacturing and re-export sectors.
The UAE's expanding trade network with international partners played a crucial role in this growth. Trade surges were seen with Switzerland (120%), Turkey (41.4%), India (33%), the United States (29%), and China (15%). These figures reflect diversification of trade partners and enhanced global integration.
The UAE's position as a global trade gateway was further strengthened, with CEPA agreements playing a key role. Ten out of 28 signed partnerships are already in effect, and exports to CEPA partners reached AED 85.02 billion, reflecting a 62.8% surge.
At the emirate level, Abu Dhabi's non-oil foreign trade grew by 34.7%, with non-oil exports rising 64% to AED 78.5 billion. This growth was underpinned by efficient infrastructure and logistics development, increasing trade capacity and resilience.
The performance marks a double of the total trade output compared to H1 2021, and these historic growth rates of 59.5% vs. 2022 and 37.8% vs. 2023, demonstrate the UAE's resilience and adaptability in the face of global economic challenges.
References:
[1] UAE Ministry of Economy (2025). UAE Non-Oil Foreign Trade Surges in H1 2025. [online] Available at: https://economy.gov.ae/en/news-and-media/press-releases/uae-non-oil-foreign-trade-surges-in-h1-2025
[2] Gulf News (2025). UAE's Non-Oil Trade Hits Record High in H1 2025. [online] Available at: https://gulfnews.com/business/economy/uae-s-non-oil-trade-hits-record-high-in-h1-2025-1.1667920919401
[3] Zawya (2025). UAE's Non-Oil Trade Growth Driven by Stronger Global Ties. [online] Available at: https://www.zawya.com/mena/en/business/story/UAE_s_Non-Oil_Trade_Growth_Driven_by_Stronger_Global_Ties-FYCNZ6OE
[4] The National (2025). Abu Dhabi's Non-Oil Trade Surges in H1 2025. [online] Available at: https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/economy/abu-dhabi-s-non-oil-trade-surges-in-h1-2025-1.1667921098301
- Given the robust growth in non-oil foreign trade, it is evident that the UAE's finance sector will continue to thrive, as increased trade brings more opportunities for financial services.
- As the UAE fortifies its standing as a global trading hub, it is foreseen that the industry sector will expand, with manufacturing and re-export sectors particularly benefiting from the enhanced trade relations.
