Dubai‘s trade with Ethiopia has witnessed an astonishing growth rate, reaching 22.3 billion dirhams, marking an increase of 792% over the past decade. This remarkable expansion underscores the strengthening economic ties between the two regions, highlighting Dubai’s role as a vital hub for commerce in the Middle East and Africa.
On May 24, 2026, Mohammed Ali Rashid Lootah, Director General of Dubai Chambers, emphasized the importance of the African continent as a key strategic destination for companies in Dubai. This statement was made during the Dubai Chamber’s mission to Ghana and Ethiopia. He explained that both countries offer exceptional business opportunities supported by an increase in trade exchanges and the expansion of representative networks.
Opportunities for Economic Expansion
Lootah stated that Dubai Chambers is working diligently to enable the private sector to capitalize on these unique opportunities in African markets. This initiative aims to enhance trade and investment flows and build sustainable economic partnerships that contribute to future growth.
He also noted that the Chamber plans to visit South Africa next month to strengthen economic cooperation. This visit aims to explore further investment opportunities and establish new partnerships.
Effective Meetings in Addis Ababa
Referring to the increasing activity in the Ethiopian market, Lootah mentioned that 510 bilateral business meetings were organized in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa. These meetings were dedicated to exploring collaboration opportunities with Ethiopian companies across various sectors. Notably, the number of Ethiopian companies registered with Dubai Chambers reached 1,676 by the end of the first quarter of 2026.
Significant Increase in Non-Oil Trade
Statistics indicate that non-oil trade relations between Dubai and Ethiopia have seen exceptional growth. They rose from 2.5 billion dirhams in 2016 to 22.3 billion dirhams in 2025, reflecting a growth rate of 792%. Additionally, trade recorded an annual growth of 236.6% last year, mirroring the increasing economic agreements between the two sides.
In this context, Ghana also represents a strategic destination, with non-oil trade between it and Dubai reaching 39.6 billion dirhams, a 340% increase compared to 2016. Ghana has proven its role as a vital regional hub for trade and investment, making it an important gateway to West African markets.
The UAE continues to attract investments from various sectors, including construction materials, construction, electronics, and consumer goods. These trends reflect the growing interest from the UAE side in investment opportunities and economic cooperation in African markets.