UAE defies global norm, observes growth in non-petroleum commerce
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and its emirate of Abu Dhabi have witnessed a remarkable increase in non-oil foreign trade during the first half of 2025.
According to recent reports, Abu Dhabi's non-oil foreign trade surged by 34.7%, reaching AED 195.4 billion (approximately $53.2 billion), up from AED 145 billion the previous year. This growth is primarily attributed to the efficiency and modernization of Abu Dhabi’s infrastructure and logistics services, which streamline the movement of goods across borders and support higher trade volumes.
The key factors driving this significant growth include the emirate's strategic economic diversification policies, investments in infrastructure, and advanced logistics services that facilitate smooth trade flows. Additionally, Abu Dhabi’s active engagement in Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) and other economic partnerships have strengthened trade ties and market access, further boosting exports, imports, and re-exports across multiple sectors.
Specifically, non-oil exports surged 64% to AED 78.5 billion, imports grew 15% to AED 80 billion, and re-exports increased by 35%, highlighting broad-based trade expansion. The collaboration between Abu Dhabi Customs and strategic partners, through innovations, digital technologies, and advanced systems, plays a crucial role in facilitating and expediting trade processes.
On a national level, the UAE's non-oil foreign trade increased by nearly a quarter in the first six months of 2025, reaching a value of more than Dh1.73 trillion ($470 billion). This represents a 49 percent rise from the levels achieved in 2021. The UAE has signed 28 CEPAs, which are boosting trade and investment flows for the country. As a result, tariffs are being removed, opening new markets for the UAE.
The increase in trade is not limited to the UAE and Abu Dhabi. The average growth of global trade during the first half of 2025 was about 1.75 percent, but the UAE's economic relationships and trade agreements have led to a higher growth rate. In fact, the value of the UAE's non-oil foreign trade in 2025 is double the level of five years ago.
This growth is a testament to the UAE and Abu Dhabi's commitment to economic diversification and their successful implementation of strategic economic partnerships and CEPAs. The continued focus on these areas is expected to drive further growth and solidify the UAE's position as a regional and global trade hub.
[1] Abu Dhabi Media Office [2] Abu Dhabi Customs [3] UAE Ministry of Economy [4] UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation [5] Khaleej Times
- The growth in Abu Dhabi's non-oil foreign trade was largely due to its efficient infrastructure and logistics services, as reported by Abu Dhabi Media Office.
- The emirate's strategic economic diversification policies, investments in infrastructure, and advanced logistics services have significantly boosted trade volumes, according to the UAE Ministry of Economy.
- The UAE's non-oil foreign trade has more than doubled in the past five years, demonstrating the success of its economic relationships and trade agreements, as reported by Khaleej Times.
