The United Arab Emirates is on a trajectory to surpass AED 3.5 trillion in non-oil foreign trade by the end of 2025, according to Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade. Backed by strategic leadership and expansive economic partnerships, the nation is rapidly strengthening its position as a global trade hub.

During the first quarter of 2025, the UAE recorded a remarkable 18.6% increase in non-oil foreign trade compared to the same period in 2024, reaching AED 835 billion. This growth marks a significant milestone in the country’s ambition to double its foreign trade value by 2031, potentially achieving the target of AED 4 trillion annually six years ahead of schedule.

A standout development was the rise of non-oil exports, which jumped 40.7% year-on-year to AED 177.3 billion. For the first time in the UAE’s history, non-oil exports made up more than 21% of total trade, underlining the global market’s increasing confidence in Emirati goods. The growth is largely attributed to the UAE’s Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs), with 10 of 27 signed agreements already in effect.

Among the top destinations for UAE exports were Switzerland, India, Turkey, and China’s Hong Kong, with Thailand showing a staggering tenfold increase over the previous year. Key export commodities included gold, jewelry, cigarettes, aluminum, petroleum oils, copper wire, ethylene polymers, and perfumes—collectively growing by nearly 59%.

Re-exports also climbed to AED 189.1 billion, up 6% year-on-year, driven by trade in mobile phones, diamonds, gold jewelry, and cars. Imports, meanwhile, rose by 17.2% from Q1 2024, totaling AED 468.6 billion, with significant increases from Turkey, India, and Vietnam. Egypt, notably, saw its exports to the UAE grow sevenfold.

Trade with major partners also expanded substantially—China by 9.6%, India by 31%, and Saudi Arabia by an impressive 127%, while the U.S. saw a 38% increase, securing its place as one of the UAE’s top six trading partners. Egypt also entered the top 10 list, reflecting a robust resurgence in bilateral commerce.

These figures demonstrate not only the UAE’s dynamic trade performance but also the tangible success of its economic diplomacy and strategic trade partnerships. With continued momentum, the nation is well on its way to becoming an even more vital player in global commerce.