The United Arab Emirates achieved a historic milestone in the first half of 2026, with non-oil foreign trade approaching the AED 2 trillion mark for the first time in a six-month period, according to official data released in July 2026.

Total non-oil foreign trade reached AED 1.937 trillion in the first six months of 2026, representing a 13.1 percent increase compared to the same period in 2025. Non-oil exports surged to a record AED 452.8 billion, setting a new high and underscoring the country’s growing role as a global re-export and manufacturing hub.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, reviewed the trade results on July 19, 2026, and described the performance as historic. The figures reflect the continued expansion of the UAE’s trade network under its Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) program, which now encompasses 38 agreements across major global markets.

Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, stated that the historic results achieved by the UAE’s non-oil foreign trade in the first half of 2026 demonstrate the effectiveness of the country’s trade liberalization strategy. The CEPA agreements have systematically reduced tariffs and improved market access for UAE-based exporters, particularly in fast-growing markets across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

The trade surplus in the non-oil sector widened considerably, with exports growing faster than imports. This trend reflects the UAE’s success in developing domestic manufacturing capabilities and positioning itself as a value-added production hub for regional and global markets.

Re-exports, a traditional strength of the UAE economy, also posted strong gains. Dubai’s strategic location between Asia and Europe, combined with its world-class port and airport infrastructure, has continued to attract global trade flows through the emirate’s logistics corridors.

The record trade performance comes at a time when global trade patterns are being reshaped by tariff realignments and supply chain restructuring. The UAE has positioned itself as a neutral, business-friendly trade intermediary, benefiting from companies seeking alternative routing options amid ongoing trade tensions between major economies.

Economists note that the non-oil trade figures, combined with the 4.8 percent non-oil GDP growth reported for the first quarter, suggest that the UAE’s economic diversification strategy is delivering measurable results. The country is increasingly generating sustainable economic growth from sectors unrelated to hydrocarbon extraction.

The government has set an ambitious target of reaching AED 4 trillion in non-oil foreign trade for the full year 2026, which would represent another record if achieved. Based on the first-half performance, the country is on track to meet or exceed that target.

WAM – UAE Non-Oil Foreign Trade H1 2026 | Khaleej Times – UAE Trade Record 2026