UAE Non-Oil Foreign Trade Hits AED 2.945 Trillion

The United Arab Emirates' non-oil foreign trade reached AED 2.945 trillion ($800 billion) during the first nine months of 2026, marking a 10.1% increase over the same period in 2025. This growth was fueled by record non-oil exports of AED 706 billion, which rose 21.6%, and imports of AED 1.661 trillion, which increased by 11.5%. Re-exports for the period totaled AED 578 billion.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister, noted that exports to the top ten trading partners grew by 31%, while trade with the rest of the world increased by 11.9%. In September 2026, monthly exports surpassed AED 100 billion for the first time. Gold, jewellery, telephone sets, and tobacco products were the primary exported goods. China remained the largest source of imports, while Switzerland, Hong Kong, and India were the leading export destinations.

Minister of Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi attributed the expansion to the implementation of Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs). He stated that these agreements have helped the country diversify its markets, lower trade barriers, and provide national companies with wider access to global consumers and partners.