UAE Foreign Trade Surges to $1.4 Trillion in 2024, Affirming Global Trade Hub Status

According to the World Trade Organisation data, the United Arab Emirates recorded a 49 percent jump in foreign trade, reaching AED5.23 trillion from AED3.5 trillion within only three years from 2021 to 2024. UAE achieved these strong trade results as global market conditions remain volatile, with a trade surplus of AED492.3 billion (US$134 billion). Since 2014, the nation has established itself as the top trade community in the Middle East and Africa while becoming one of the leading global trading zones for products and services.

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Strategic Position in Global Trade Rankings of UAE

The UAE gained stronger international trade rankings during the last three years with 11th position for exports and 14th position for imports. In 2024 the UAE shipped US$603 billion worth of merchandise products through 2.5% of all global trade. In 2024 the UAE imported US$539 billion products forming 2.2% of worldwide imports and reached US$539 billion (AED1.9802 trillion). The UAE achieves its economic goals by following its strategic plan that includes growing markets and upgrading technology.

في عالم يشهد تحديات اقتصادية وتجارية كبرى .. اختارت الإمارات منذ البداية نهج الانفتاح .. وبناء الجسور .. وحرية حركة التجارة وحركة الأموال وحركة الناس ..
لتصبح اليوم جسراً بين الشرق والغرب .. ومركزاً اقتصادياً عالمياً ..

وحسب آخر تقرير لمنظمة التجارة العالمية تم نشره قبل أيام :… pic.twitter.com/mTDGxkenOn

— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) April 20, 2025

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During 2014 to 2024 services trade performance of the UAE rose to 13th worldwide ranking for exports but dropped to 21st position for imports. Between 2024 total services transactions amount to AED1.036 trillion which breaks down into AED646.6 billion exported transactions and AED389.4 billion imported transactions. By accomplishing this growth the UAE shows its position as a major bridge between East and West as it strengthens its market presence worldwide regardless of market conditions.

Digital Services and Regional Leadership of the UAE

The UAE stands at number 21 globally for digital service exports which grew from US$37 billion in 2021 to US$52 billion in 2024. Total digital services trades brought in US$94 billion (AED345 billion) which made up one-third of the UAE’s services revenues. The UAE achieved these results because it transformed into a technology-centered country while becoming a major technology center for the region.The UAE led Middle Eastern countries as they traded US$1.5 trillion in merchandise exports, which overall grew by 3.7%, but services traded faster at 4.1%. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum dedicated several words to explain that the UAE supports trade connections and lets capital and individuals move freely between nations. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi pointed to both enlightened leadership and economic efforts in openness and global markets as the reasons for the UAE’s success.