The non-oil foreign trade of the UAE reached an impressive 1.7 trillion dirhams in the first half of this year, showcasing the nation’s robust economic growth and strengthening position as a key player in global trade. This significant milestone highlights the UAE’s role as a trusted trading partner for major economies worldwide and symbolizes its commitment to fostering economic collaboration across borders.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, emphasized the UAE’s ongoing accomplishments under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. In a recent series of tweets, Sheikh Mohammed noted, “I reviewed the data for the first half of this year regarding the UAE’s non-oil foreign trade… Alhamdulillah, it achieved significant growth of 24.5% compared to the first half of last year, while global trade grew by about 1.75%.” The figures indicate that our non-oil foreign trade reached 1.7 trillion dirhams in the first half, double the figures from just five years ago.
Record Growth in Trade Relationships
Sheikh Mohammed further highlighted that the UAE’s non-oil foreign trade experienced record-breaking growth rates in the first half of 2025, soaring by 120% with Switzerland, 33% with India, 41% with Turkey, 29% with the United States, and 15% with China. “The numbers reflect our economic ties with the world… they speak of unprecedented development in the UAE led by my brother Mohammed bin Zayed… the numbers say that the future is brighter and greater, God willing,” he said.
Continuing the Upward Trend
Data from the non-oil foreign trade of the UAE from January 1 to June 30, 2025, reveals a sustained upward trajectory, registering approximately 1.728 trillion dirhams (1 trillion 728 billion dirhams, equivalent to 470.3 billion USD) with a year-on-year growth of 24.5%. This growth is evident not only when compared to the first half of 2024 but also illustrates a semi-annual increase of 9.1% compared to the second half of the exceptional year of 2024.
The UAE’s non-oil foreign trade has reached unprecedented growth levels, with a remarkable increase of 37.8% and 59.5% compared to the same periods in 2023 and 2022, respectively. Moreover, the figures indicate a doubling in value compared to the first half of 2021 and more than triple the figures recorded in 2019.
Historic Export Performance
During the first half of 2025, the UAE’s non-oil exports reached a groundbreaking 369.5 billion dirhams, marking an incredible growth rate of over 44.7%—the highest in the nation’s history—compared to the same period in 2024. Additionally, this demonstrates a rise of 80% compared to the first half of 2023, continuing an upward trend that highlights the country’s export prowess.
The main destinations for the UAE’s non-oil exports in the first half of 2025 included Switzerland, India, Turkey, and Hong Kong-China, with Thailand, Switzerland, and India recording the highest growth rates in receiving UAE exports. Among the top ten partners, UAE’s exports to countries with which it has comprehensive economic partnership agreements amounted to 85.02 billion dirhams, with a striking growth of 62.8% and a 23% share of non-oil exports.
The value of re-exports also maintained its upward momentum, amounting to 389 billion dirhams during the first half of 2025, reflecting a growth of 14% compared to previous periods. The nation’s imports of non-oil goods totaled 969.3 billion dirhams in the same period, an increase of 22.5% compared to the first half of 2024, indicating a robust exchange of goods within the international marketplace.
As the UAE continues to expand its network through its comprehensive economic partnership agreements, the nation remains committed to enhancing its trade relations globally. With 28 agreements completed so far and ten already in effect, the UAE’s non-oil foreign trade stands to further benefit from increased access to markets with a consumer base of approximately 3 billion, ensuring a promising outlook for future growth.