The UAE is on a fast track to surpass its $1.1 trillion non-oil trade target four years ahead of schedule, according to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
He credited this achievement to the strategic leadership of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the UAE’s consistent focus on economic diversification and global partnerships.
Trade Milestones Reflect Strong Non-Oil Sector Performance
Sheikh Mohammed confirmed that in the first quarter of 2025, the UAE’s non-oil foreign trade surged by 18.6% year-on-year, reaching AED835 billion ($227.5 billion). This far outpaces the global trade average growth rate of 2–3%, showcasing the UAE’s exceptional performance in a challenging global economic landscape.
Most notably, non-oil exports jumped 40.7% compared to Q1 2024, hitting AED177.3 billion ($48.3 billion). Quarter-on-quarter, exports also climbed 15.7%, outperforming both imports and re-exports for the first time in UAE history.
Re-exports rose 6% year-on-year to AED189.1 billion ($51.5 billion). Imports, meanwhile, reached AED468.6 billion ($127.6 billion)—a 17.2% annual increase, though slightly down by 1.7% from Q4 2024.
Surpassing Economic Targets Ahead of Time
Commenting on the nation’s long-term objectives, Sheikh Mohammed stated:
“Our goal to grow non-oil foreign trade to AED4 trillion ($1.1 trillion) by 2031 will be achieved within the next two years—four years ahead of schedule.”
He further revealed that the UAE’s GDP grew 4% in 2024, reaching AED1.77 trillion ($482 billion), with the non-oil sector now contributing 75.5% to the national economy.
“Under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE’s economic growth is achieving unprecedented success. Indicators of social, economic, and strategic stability and prosperity are at their highest historical levels,” Sheikh Mohammed noted.
Top Trade Partners Drive Growth Surge
The UAE’s trade with its top 10 global partners rose by 20.2% in Q1 2025, outpacing the 16.9% growth seen with other countries. Trade volumes with India increased 31%, while trade with Saudi Arabia more than doubled, recording a 127% jump.
Additional growth was seen in trade with China (up 9.6%) and Turkiye (up 8.3%), both setting new historical records.
Sheikh Mohammed concluded:
“We are confident in an even brighter future, driven by the focused efforts of thousands of dedicated teams working to realize the UAE’s global ambitions.”
This latest data confirms that the UAE’s non-oil economic strategy is not only working—it’s accelerating, positioning the nation as a model for diversified economic growth.
