According to the WTO’s “World Trade Outlook and Statistics” report, the UAE’s total foreign trade reached AED 5.23T (AED 5,230B) in 2024—marking a 49% increase from AED 3.5T (AED 3,500B) in 2021. This significant growth underscores the UAE’s strategic economic vision, cementing its role as the leading trade hub in the Middle East and Africa since 2014 and maintaining its place among the top 20 global trade centres.
Amid global trade growth of 2.9% in merchandise and 6.8% in services, the UAE displayed strong resilience despite tariff challenges and market volatility. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum attributed this strength to the country’s emphasis on openness, seamless connectivity, and free movement of trade, capital, and people—positioning the UAE as a vital bridge between East and West.
In 2024, the UAE recorded a trade surplus of AED 492.3B, ranking 11th worldwide in merchandise exports and 13th in services. Services exports reached AED 646.6B, including AED 191B in digital services, while merchandise exports totalled AED 2,215.3B. The UAE contributed 41.4% of the Middle East’s merchandise exports.
Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi credited national initiatives, innovation, and global partnerships for the UAE’s position as a major trade hub. Between 2021 and 2024, exports reached AED 2,861.9B, with imports at AED 2,369.6B, contributing 2.5% to global exports and 2.2% to imports.
Digital services exports hit AED 191B in 2024, ranking the UAE 21st globally. Services trade reached AED 1,036B, led by growth in information (14%), tourism (13%), financial (9%), and IT services—signalling strong diversification and continued momentum across high-growth sectors.
