For the first time in history, the UAE has ranked among the world’s top 10 exporting countries, according to the latest World Trade Organisation (WTO) report on “World Trade Prospects and Statistics.”
The milestone highlights the nation’s growing role in international supply chains and its contribution to the global economy.
Trade growth
The WTO report shows that the UAE’s trade in goods and services rose from US$949 billion (Dhs3.5 trillion) in 2021 to US$1.637 trillion (Dhs6.014 trillion) in 2025. Goods trade alone reached US$1.33 trillion (Dhs4.9 trillion), with exports accounting for 53 percent of total trade. Services trade amounted to Dhs1.14 trillion, with 61.4 percent directed to international markets.
The country recorded a trade surplus of Dhs584.1 billion in 2025, up 19 percent from Dhs492.3 billion in 2024. UAE goods exports ranked ninth globally, while goods imports were 13th, reflecting the country’s strategic role in global commerce.
Services and digital sector
The UAE’s services trade exceeded Dhs1 trillion for the first time, reaching Dhs1.14 trillion. The digital services sector contributed US$33 billion (Dhs121.19 billion) in exports, accounting for 0.6 percent of global digital services and 17 percent of the UAE’s total services exports.
Since 2014, the UAE has maintained its leadership in trade among Middle Eastern and African nations.
Government perspective
Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, said: “The UAE’s top 10 ranking in goods exports for the first time in history is a testament to our nations’ competitiveness and a reflection of the world’s confidence in our economy. Despite the current geopolitical challenges, we are determined to build on this success and cement our position on the global trade map.”
Al Zeyoudi highlighted that strong growth in service sectors such as logistics, financial services, hospitality, IT, and transportation, which have grown between 9 and 14 percent, underpins the UAE’s economic resilience.
He also noted that the UAE will expand its trade network through the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) programme, helping exporters access new markets and strengthen the competitiveness of national products. The government continues to enhance regulations and deploy advanced technologies to improve supply chain efficiency.
Al Zeyoudi reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to international cooperation in trade and called for WTO reforms to ensure fair and transparent global participation. He stressed that the UAE will continue open economic policies focused on sustainability and innovation, supporting a diversified economy and continued growth in foreign trade.
Global outlook
The WTO report also flagged challenges for global trade. Goods trade growth is expected to slow to 1.9 percent in 2026 from 4.6 percent in 2025, returning to 2.6 percent in 2027. Services trade growth may slow to 4.8 percent in 2026 before rising to 5.1 percent in 2027. Rising energy prices could further reduce growth to 1.4 percent for goods and 4.1 percent for services.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
