China retained its position as the UAE’s largest non-oil trading partner in the first half of 2026, with bilateral trade reaching Dhs180.7 billion, as the country’s total non-oil foreign trade climbed to a record Dhs1.937 trillion.
The figures were reviewed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who said the results reflect the country’s continued economic growth and expanding global trade network.
Top trading partners of UAE
China led the UAE’s non-oil trade during the first six months of 2026 with Dhs180.7 billion, followed by Switzerland at Dhs138.4 billion and India at Dhs107.5 billion.
Egypt, Oman and Hong Kong also recorded strong growth among the UAE’s key trading partners.
Trade with the UAE’s top 10 trading partners increased by 12.6% compared with the same period last year, while trade with the rest of the world grew by 13.6%, highlighting the country’s expanding trade relationships.
Record exports
The UAE’s total non-oil foreign trade reached Dhs1.937 trillion in the first half of 2026, up 13.1% year-on-year.
Non-oil exports rose 23.9% to a record Dhs452.8 billion, increasing their share of the country’s total non-oil trade to 23.4%.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed said: “Today, we reviewed the UAE’s non-oil foreign trade results for the first half of 2026 – and they are exceptional by every measure. Our non-oil foreign trade has approached the Dhs2 trillion mark in just six months, reaching a final figure of Dhs1.937 trillion, representing an annual growth of 13.1%. Our national non-oil exports also reached a new historic record of Dhs452.8 billion.”
He added: “These figures are more than trade statistics, they are a testament to the strength of our economy, the effectiveness of our development choices and the world’s confidence in the UAE.”
CEPA
Trade with countries that have fully implemented Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) reached Dhs304.3 billion during the first half of the year, including Dhs66.1 billion in non-oil exports.
Gold remained the UAE’s largest non-oil traded commodity at Dhs706.2 billion, followed by telecommunications products, gold jewellery, automobiles and diamonds.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
