The next phase will focus on technology-driven trade solutions, supply chain resilience and supporting the private sector to expand into new international markets.
The UAE’s non-oil foreign trade reached historic highs in 2025 despite global tariffs, geopolitical tensions and supply chain.
“The UAE has demonstrated that resilience, diversification and strategic partnerships are the foundation of sustainable growth,” Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, , the UAE Minister of Foreign Trade told Gulf News, describing 2025 as “a milestone year” for the country’s economic transformation.
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Record-Breaking Non-Oil Trade
The UAE’s total non-oil foreign trade reached Dh3.8 trillion in 2025, marking an increase of nearly 27 per cent compared to 2024. The figure places the country within striking distance of its Dh4 trillion target set for 2031 a goal now potentially achievable years ahead of schedule.
Non-oil exports were a standout performer, climbing to Dh814 billion, a surge of 45.5 per cent year-on-year, and accounting for 21.6 per cent of total non-oil trade—the highest share ever recorded.
“These numbers are not just statistics,” Al Zeyoudi said. “They reflect the growing competitiveness of our industrial base and the strength of our global trade network.”
Expanding Global Partnerships
A key driver of this growth, the minister noted, has been the UAE’s expanding network of Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs). Since 2022, the UAE has signed and activated multiple trade agreements with major global economies across Asia, Africa, Europe and Latin America.
UAE-India CEPA | UAE-Mauritius-Serbia CEPA | UAE-Cambodia-Georgia-Jordan CEPA | UAE-Malaysia CEPA | UAE-Australia CEPA | UAE-Indonesia CEPA | UAE–Chile CEPA | UAE-Turkey CEPA
“These agreements are opening doors for Emirati exporters, securing supply chains and reinforcing the UAE’s position as a global trade hub,” he said.
The CEPA programme aims to reduce tariffs, eliminate trade barriers and enhance market access for UAE businesses, particularly in high-growth regions.
Navigating Global Challenges
The milestone year comes at a time when global trade has faced headwinds, including tariff escalations between major markets and disruptions in critical shipping routes such as the Suez and Panama canals.
“While global trade flows have been tested by geopolitical tensions and transit disruptions, the UAE has remained agile and proactive,” Al Zeyoudi told. “We diversified our partnerships, strengthened logistics capabilities and focused on long-term economic resilience.”
He emphasized that the country’s advanced ports, logistics infrastructure and investor-friendly policies have enabled it to maintain steady trade momentum even during periods of volatility.
Trade as a Strategic Pillar
Non-oil trade growth is central to the UAE’s long-term vision of economic diversification, reducing reliance on hydrocarbons and building a knowledge- and innovation-driven economy. In 2025, the UAE also reinforced its institutional framework for trade policy. The establishment of the Ministry of Foreign Trade was announced by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
“Our mission is to develop new trade corridors, deepen global partnerships and transform today’s global volatility into long-term certainty and stability,” Al Zeyoudi said. With non-oil trade accelerating ahead of national targets, the minister expressed confidence that the UAE will continue to strengthen its global economic footprint.
“For the UAE, trade is more than the movement of goods,” he said. “It is connectivity, opportunity and partnership. And in 2025, we proved once again that the UAE is at the heart of global commerce.”
He added that the next phase will focus on technology-driven trade solutions, supply chain resilience and supporting the private sector to expand into new international markets.
