The United Arab Emirates is at a turning point in the evolution of its economy, and non-oil foreign trade has already topped AED 3.8 trillion ($1 trillion) in 2025. This milestone was reached far earlier than the national long-term goals, which is a good indicator of the gradual transformation of the UAE into a diversified, resilient, and globally integrated economy. The rise of over 10 percent in exports, imports and re-exports indicates that the nation has been able to adjust to the evolving international trade pattern and at the same time increase its status as a business hub in the gulf and beyond. The concert highlights the increased confidence in the UAE investment environment and trading infrastructure among international people.
A Historic Trade Milestone
The fact that it is passing the AED 3.8 trillion mark is a milestone of the non-oil economy of the UAE. The growth in total non-oil foreign trade by almost 27 per cent over that in 2024 indicates that the country has momentum even amidst global economic uncertainty. The performance solidifies the role of UAE as one of the significant contributors to the trade activity in the GCC, contributing to the supply chains and access to the markets in the region.
Exports Take a Bigger Role
The increase in the contribution of non-oil exports was one of the most remarkable changes in 2025. The exports have increased by over 45 percent over the last year, and the proportion of total non-oil trade has reached 21.6 percent as compared to 18.8 percent in 2024. The increasing intensity of exports is an indication of the UAE achievement to climb up the value chain and consolidate its industrial and manufacturing foundation.
Record-Breaking Final Quarter
The year was topped off by the high momentum in the last quarter of 2025. The non-oil trade has also hit AED 1.1 trillion in Q4 the highest quarterly rate since the beginning of time. This robust ending reflects on consistent demand, effective logistics and constant policy environment that facilitates continuous trade flows.
Diverse and High-Value Export Portfolio
There was a wide spread growth in several sectors. The most rapidly expanding export commodities were precious metals and compounds, gold and jewellery, plastic products, perfumes and aluminium and copper goods. This variety underscores how the UAE has advanced in its efforts to move out of hydrocarbons and establishing competitive advantages in high value and high-traded goods.
Strategic Partnerships and Trade Networks
The exports to countries with Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) have registered significant growth, which testifies to the efficiency of trade diplomacy of the UAE. Re exports also increased to AED 830.2 billion and non oil imports were over AED 2.1 trillion which strengthens the position of the country as a trade gateway in the region.
Leadership Vision and Regional Impact
The UAE leadership underlined that these outcomes were accomplished many years earlier than expected, which demonstrates the high confidence of investors, as well as long-term strategic planning. In the case of the GCC, the performance of the UAE enhances the competitiveness in the region, facilitates the diversification agenda, and makes the Gulf a more powerful force in the world in its trade. for more news updates, visit our Gulf Independent News page.
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