UAE Records Double-Digit Trade Growth in 2026

The United Arab Emirates recorded double-digit trade growth during the first nine months of 2026, maintaining momentum despite global market pressures. Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Trade Fahad Al Gergawi announced at the Dubai FinTech Summit that foreign trade reached approximately US$1 trillion last year, with further increases expected for the current year.

To sustain this trajectory, the government is expanding port capacity in Fujairah and Khorfakkan and utilizing the Etihad Rail network to improve logistics. A central component of the national strategy involves Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements, which now extend to approximately 40 countries, including India, Türkiye, Australia, and Indonesia.

The Ministry of Foreign Trade is further modernizing operations by integrating artificial intelligence to accelerate procedures and improve service efficiency. Additionally, the ministry is collaborating with DHL to train exporters to better leverage international market opportunities. These initiatives support the UAE's position as the largest trading nation in the Arab world and its ranking among the top ten globally for trade facilitation.