The UAE's non-oil foreign trade has surged by 13.1% annually in the first half of the year, reaching a staggering Dh1.937 trillion ($520 billion). This impressive growth is a testament to the country's economic prowess and its commitment to diversification. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, hailed these figures as a symbol of the UAE's economic strength and the world's confidence in the nation. The UAE's non-oil exports achieved a record-breaking Dh452.8 billion during this period, a 23.9% annual increase, showcasing the country's ability to diversify its economy and reduce reliance on oil. This is particularly remarkable given the ongoing regional conflict and the disruption it has caused. The UAE's economy is expected to rebound in the second half of the year, with exports recovering post-Opec exit. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has praised the UAE's resilience, attributing it to sound fundamentals, ample policy buffers, and swift policy responses. The UAE's Comprehensive Economic Partnership (Cepa) program has played a pivotal role in boosting global trade flows. Signed with 37 trading partners, including India, Turkey, and Vietnam, these agreements have significantly reduced tariffs and trade bottlenecks, resulting in a 26% annual surge in non-oil foreign trade in 2025, surpassing $1 trillion. In the first half of 2026, non-oil trade with Cepa-partner countries reached Dh304.3 billion, with imports and exports totaling Dh193.5 billion and Dh66.1 billion, respectively. Non-oil exports now account for 21.7% of the UAE's total trade with Cepa partners, up from 19.1% in 2022, highlighting the broad market access these agreements provide. The UAE's focus on trade and logistics infrastructure, including modern marine ports and airport facilities, is attracting foreign investors and further boosting non-oil foreign trade. Foreign direct investment (FDI) into the UAE rose by 6% to $48.24 billion in 2025, making it the ninth highest total globally and the top recipient in the Middle East region, according to the UN Conference on Trade and Development (Unctad). The UAE's largest trading partners in the first half of the year were China, Switzerland, and India, with non-oil trade reaching Dh180.7 billion, Dh138.4 billion, and Dh107.5 billion, respectively. Overall, non-oil trade with the UAE's top 10 trading partners grew by 12.6%, while trade with the rest of the world grew by 13.6%. Gold, telecoms, gold jewelry, cars, and diamonds were the top commodities traded, accounting for approximately 67% of the UAE's total non-oil merchandise trade in the first six months. The UAE's economic diversification strategy, supported by its Cepa deals and investment in technology and human capital, is poised to reinforce non-oil growth and enhance resilience to external shocks. This comprehensive approach to economic development positions the UAE as a global leader in economic resilience and innovation.
