As the United Arab Emirates (UAE) continues to solidify its position as a global commercial hub, the nation is investing heavily in innovative strategies that highlight its role as a trusted partner in economic growth. During a session titled “Community Trust: The Foundation of National Strength,” part of the UAE’s annual government meetings for 2026, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, and Faisal bin Sulaytin, CEO of the Dubai Economic Security Centre, underscored the importance of a proactive and diversified business model. This model not only aims at meeting local market needs but also focuses on safeguarding the UAE’s reputation as a reliable trade partner on the global stage.
Embracing Technology for Trade Development
Dr. Al Zeyoudi emphasised that artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced analytics are at the core of enhancing the UAE’s foreign trade system. These technologies will enable improved analysis of trade performance, identification of emerging markets, and exploration of export opportunities, while adapting to shifts in international trade patterns and global demand. The ministry is committed to empowering UAE companies and exporters by providing access to market information, practical guidance, and export opportunities, along with training programmes in collaboration with leading global logistics firms.
Significant Growth in Non-Oil Trade
Highlighting the steady upward trajectory of the UAE’s non-oil foreign trade, Dr. Al Zeyoudi reported a historic milestone with trade volumes exceeding 2.945 trillion dirhams in the first nine months of 2026, marking a 10.1% growth compared to the same period in 2025. Notably, non-oil exports emerged as a vital driver of this growth, reaching approximately 706 billion dirhams, contributing 24.0% to total non-oil trade and witnessing a 21.6% increase in the same timeframe.
Strategic Investments and Economic Resilience
The UAE’s external investments play a crucial role in bolstering the national economy, with total external investments amounting to 402.7 billion dollars. Additionally, the foreign direct investment in the UAE reached 63.4 billion dollars in 2025, showcasing the country’s status as an attractive global investment centre and a pivotal platform for businesses seeking to enter international markets. Dr. Al Zeyoudi noted that the share of air transport in the UAE’s total trade value has risen significantly, from 49.8% in 2024 to 62.3% in the first half of 2026, indicating the growing importance of air logistics in national supply chains.
Enhancing Data Systems for Trade
The Ministry aims to enhance the reliability and accessibility of trade data through the automation of data collection and reporting processes. By offering interactive analytical tools for both government and private sectors, and utilising AI to monitor performance and identify emerging risks and opportunities, the UAE envisions a stronger and more sustainable trade and investment ecosystem. Dr. Al Zeyoudi reiterated that these initiatives reflect the UAE’s commitment to building a robust framework that exploits new opportunities to improve the competitiveness of national businesses and supports trade, investment, and national exports.
Global Reputation and Investor Confidence
In the session, Faisal bin Sulaytin highlighted the significance of economic security in maintaining the UAE’s reputation as a trustworthy trading partner. He stated, “Every decision made to enhance readiness, every partnership established, and every commitment upheld reinforces trust. What state institutions and companies have delivered contributes to the UAE’s narrative and the trust in it.” In the first half of 2026, the Dubai Financial Market attracted over 42,000 new investors, 71% of whom hailed from abroad, with institutional investors accounting for more than 70% of transaction values, and 51% generated from outside the UAE.
Moreover, Nasdaq recorded 55 listings valued at 91 billion dirhams, with 43% of these coming from overseas. The recent IPO of “DIB Holdings” at two billion dirhams, which was fully covered within just 90 minutes, exemplifies the region’s dynamic investment environment. Bin Sulaytin affirmed that while the UAE is committed to meeting its internal needs, it equally prioritises its obligation to international clients, remarking that these accomplishments are the result of years of diligent effort and readiness.