The United Arab Emirates has crossed a major economic milestone, with non-oil foreign trade exceeding $1 trillion (Dh3.67 trillion) in 2025 for the first time in its history.
The achievement reflects a 26 per cent year-on-year increase and underscores the strength of the country’s long-term diversification agenda.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, confirmed the figures in a public statement on X, noting that non-oil exports rose 45 per cent to Dh813 billion ($221 billion) during the year.
He added that targets initially set for 2031 have already been achieved at a rate of approximately 95 per cent, five years ahead of schedule. According to Sheikh Mohammed, the milestone reinforces global investor confidence in the UAE and highlights the growing resilience of the private sector.
Strong Growth Across Oil and Non-Oil Sectors
The UAE Central Bank previously projected economic growth of around 5 per cent for 2025, driven by a 4.9 per cent expansion in non-oil sectors and a 5.4 per cent rise in hydrocarbon activity.
The latter was supported by a faster-than-expected easing of oil production cuts under OPEC+ arrangements. For 2026, overall growth is forecast at 5.2 per cent, with continued expansion across both sectors.
Trade Agreements Fuel Expansion
A significant driver behind the record trade performance has been the UAE’s Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) programme. Minister of State for Foreign Trade Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi stated that the network of agreements has accelerated market access and boosted export activity. The UAE has now concluded 35 CEPAs, with 14 currently in force.
Exports to countries covered under active CEPA agreements reached Dh175.5 billion in 2025, representing 21.6 per cent of total non-oil exports and marking an 18.2 per cent annual increase.
Trade with India one of the UAE’s most strategic CEPA partners rose 14.7 per cent, supported by the agreement implemented in May 2022.
Dr Al Zeyoudi emphasized that the performance was achieved despite ongoing global geopolitical tensions and protectionist trade policies affecting international markets.
Sector Highlights and Trade Composition
The UAE’s top non-oil exports in 2025 included gold, jewellery, aluminium, refined petroleum products, ethylene polymers, copper wires, perfumes, and composite precious metals.
Collectively, these categories recorded growth exceeding 64 per cent compared to 2024. Precious metal composites, plastics, gold, and perfumes led the expansion.
Re-exports totalled Dh830.2 billion, up 15.7 per cent year-on-year, while imports of non-oil goods exceeded Dh2.1 trillion, marking a 25.7 per cent increase. Major imports included gold, mobile phones, automobiles, petroleum oils, jewellery, diamonds, and computers.
In the fourth quarter alone, non-oil trade reached Dh1.1 trillion the highest quarterly level on record supported by a 53.2 per cent rise in non-oil exports compared to the same period in 2024.
The latest data reinforces the UAE’s positioning as one of the region’s most dynamic trade and logistics hubs, with diversification efforts continuing to reduce reliance on hydrocarbons while strengthening global economic integration.
Aisha Al Mansoori is a UAE-based business and technology analyst covering startups, venture capital, AI, fintech, and innovation trends shaping the Emirates’ economy.
