Abu Dhabi, UAE – Data from the World Trade Organization’s “World Trade Outlook and Statistics” report shows that the United Arab Emirates has entered the top ten global exporters of goods for the first time in its history.
This comes after it ranked ninth among the world’s largest exporters in 2025.
Record growth in foreign trade
The report highlighted the strong performance of the UAE’s foreign trade,
which reached AED 6 trillion in 2025 compared to AED 5.23 trillion in 2024, representing growth of nearly 15%.
This is a clear indicator of the accelerating pace of the country’s trade activity despite global challenges.
The report also noted a significant increase in the UAE’s total trade in goods and services,
which reached $1.637 trillion in 2025, compared to $949 billion in 2021.
This reflects a substantial expansion in the network of international trade relations.
Merchandise trade alone reached AED 4.9 trillion, with exports accounting for 53% of the total.
Trade surplus and a surge in the services sector
The services sector recorded a historic performance, with the value of services trade reaching AED 1.14 trillion
for the first time, with service exports contributing 61.4% of the total.
The digital services sector also stood out, with exports reaching $33 billion, ranking 25th globally.
The UAE economy achieved a trade surplus of AED 584.1 billion in 2025,
compared to AED 492.3 billion in 2024, representing a growth rate of 19%.
This reflects the strength of the trade balance and the diversification of income sources.
The UAE contributed 3.3% to global merchandise exports and 2% to global service exports.
A major player in global trade
Minister of Foreign Trade Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi affirmed that this achievement reflects the success of the UAE’s open economic policies.
He added that it reinforces the country’s position as a key player in the global trading system,
noting the ongoing efforts to expand trade partnerships and develop the economic environment.
This progress comes amidst expectations of a slowdown in global trade growth
during 2026 due to geopolitical tensions and rising energy prices.
Nevertheless, the UAE continues to solidify its position as one of
the most resilient and adaptable economies in the face of international changes.
