Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zayoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, confirmed that the UAE achieved historic figures in non-oil foreign trade during the first half of 2025, with growth exceeding 24.5%, with the total value reaching more than 1.7 trillion dirhams, equivalent to about 14 times compared to the global average of about 1.75%, which reflects the strength of the economic policies and long-term strategic plans followed by the country.
In his interview with the Emirates News Agency “WAM”, His Excellency revealed developments in the file of comprehensive economic agreements that the country is working on, noting that 28 agreements have been completed, 10 of which have entered into force, while between 3 and 6 additional agreements will be signed before the end of this year.
Regarding the results of non-oil foreign trade during the first half of 2025, he said: “We congratulate the wise leadership and the business community on these unprecedented numbers in non-oil foreign trade. What we see today is the result of continuing wise policies and proactive planning.”
He emphasized the key role of the country’s plans to expand its network of international partnerships in contributing to achieving these records and achieving this milestone, in addition to comprehensively developing the economic system and strengthening the logistics infrastructure. He noted that these factors combined have contributed to consolidating the UAE’s position as a global trading center and a major hub for global trade.
Al-Zayoudi said: “Imports witnessed a growth of 22.5%, reflecting the strength of the UAE’s position as a global center for re-exports. The value of re-exports also increased by 14% to reach about 389 billion dirhams, which enhances the country’s role as a pivotal link in global supply chains.”
He added, “As for UAE exports of non-oil goods, which constitute the cornerstone of sustainable economic development, they have witnessed a remarkable jump to reach approximately 370 billion dirhams, equivalent to about three times their value 5 years ago”.
He explained that the contribution of national exports to total foreign trade exceeded 21.4%, which confirms the success of the strategies to diversify the national economy and stimulate the capabilities of the industrial sector that were implemented during the past period.
His Excellency highlighted the results of the national industry strategy, which focused on shifting from re-export to direct export, and targeting specific markets through comprehensive economic partnership agreements, which contributed to diversifying markets and enhancing the competitiveness of the Emirati product.
He explained that the tireless efforts to sign comprehensive economic agreements have yielded tangible positive results, noting that this strategy has today become a pivotal tool for supporting national exports and attracting qualitative investments.
He discussed the impact of comprehensive economic partnerships with a number of countries, stressing that the agreements signed with India and Turkey, in particular, are clearly beginning to bear fruit.
He explained that trade with India recorded a growth rate of nearly 34%, while the growth rate with Turkey exceeded 40%, which is tangible evidence of the importance of the policy of economic openness and permanent communication with global markets, stressing that opening markets to Emirati producers, exporters and manufacturers, in addition to attracting foreign investments, constitutes a fundamental pillar of the country’s trade policy.
At the conclusion of his statements, His Excellency stressed that the exceptional results achieved in non-oil foreign trade embody the fruits of the sound vision of the wise leadership and integration between various governmental and private agencies, noting that the UAE is continuing its plans to consolidate its position as one of the most important commercial centers in the world, and to continue developing national exports, attracting more qualitative investments, and strengthening its presence in global value chains.
