UAE Set to Hit $1.1 Trillion Trade Target Four Years Early as Non-Oil Sector Surges
Thursday, 19 June 2025
The UAE is on track to achieve its AED 4 trillion ($1.1 trillion) non-oil foreign trade target by 2027, four years ahead of schedule, as its non-oil sector booms. Under the leadership of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and with the guidance of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE is recording unprecedented growth in exports, re-exports, and trade with key partners such as Saudi Arabia, India, and China.
Key Highlights:
- Trade Milestone Fast-Tracked: The UAE is expected to reach its non-oil foreign trade goal of AED 4tn ($1.1tn) by 2027, four years earlier than the original 2031 target.
- Record Q1 2025 Figures:
- Non-oil foreign trade hit AED 835bn ($227.5bn) in Q1 2025, up 18.6% YoY.
- Non-oil exports grew 40.7% YoY, reaching AED 177.3bn ($48.3bn).
- Re-exports increased 6% YoY, totaling AED 189.1bn ($51.5bn).
- Imports rose 17.2% YoY, amounting to AED 468.6bn ($127.6bn).
- Exports Lead the Way: For the first time in UAE history, non-oil exports made up more than 21% of total non-oil trade, outpacing import and re-export growth.
- Economic Growth Figures:
- UAE GDP in 2024 reached AED 1.77tn ($482bn).
- The non-oil sector contributed 75.5% to the national economy.
- GDP saw 4% growth YoY.
- Trade with Key Partners Surges:
- Trade with Saudi Arabia grew by 127%.
- Trade with India grew by 31%.
- Turkiye trade rose 8.3%, and China by 9.6%.
- Leadership’s Vision: Sheikh Mohammed praised the country’s strategic direction, highlighting that economic, social, and strategic indicators are at historic highs, and the UAE is well-positioned to achieve its global ambitions.
- Trade with Top 10 Partners: Trade with the UAE’s top 10 partners grew 20.2%, outpacing the 16.9% growth seen with other nations.
