UAE Non-Oil Foreign Trade Reaches Historic Dh2.95 Trillion Milestone
Record-breaking trade growth reflects UAE's resilience amid complex global economic and political shifts.
1Historic Trade Milestone
The UAE's non-oil foreign trade reached Dh2.945 trillion during the first nine months of 2026. This figure represents a 10 percent increase compared to the same period in 2025. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced the achievement, highlighting the nation's ability to maintain momentum despite significant global economic challenges.
2Export Growth Drivers
Non-oil exports surged to Dh705.8 billion, marking a 21.6 percent year-on-year increase. Notably, exports to the country's ten largest trading partners rose by 31.6 percent. In September 2026, monthly exports surpassed the Dh100 billion threshold for the first time, signaling a robust expansion of UAE products in international markets.
3Quarterly Performance Trends
Third-quarter trade reached Dh1.025 trillion, an 11.1 percent increase from the second quarter of 2026. Non-oil exports have now exceeded Dh200 billion for five consecutive quarters, reaching Dh256.1 billion in the latest period. This consistent quarterly growth underscores the sustained demand for UAE goods and services across diverse global sectors.
4Strategic Market Expansion
Trade with the rest of the world grew by 11.9 percent, outpacing the 8.3 percent growth seen with top-ten partners. This shift indicates a successful diversification of the UAE's trade network. Exports to Switzerland rose by 75.8 percent, while Hong Kong saw a 59.1 percent increase, driven by gold, jewelry, and tobacco.
5Impact of Trade Agreements
Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) are central to this growth, with 19 agreements covering 23 countries now in force. Non-oil trade with these partners reached Dh510.8 billion by October 2026. These pacts facilitate easier movement of goods and provide national companies with wider access to international consumers and strategic partners.
6Long-term Economic Trajectory
The current trade volume represents a significant jump from previous years, standing 55.2 percent higher than the same period in 2023. In 2019, the nine-month figure did not exceed Dh1.3 trillion. This rapid acceleration highlights the effectiveness of the UAE's strategy to position itself as a primary international trade hub.
7Sectoral Export Composition
Non-oil exports now account for 23.4 percent of total non-oil trade, up from 16.9 percent in 2023. Gold, jewelry, and tobacco products remain the leading exported commodities. The top ten commodities collectively saw a 35.8 percent growth, reflecting the country's success in scaling high-value sectors within its broader economic framework.
8Future Economic Outlook
The UAE continues to prioritize sustainable economic growth by strengthening international relationships and expanding export markets. Despite political and economic shifts, the nation remains a flexible and efficient trade center. Future performance will likely depend on the continued integration of new CEPA partners and the diversification of exported commodity types.