Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, emphasised that the UAE, under the guidance of its visionary leadership, continues to uphold its strong standing on the international trade stage. This assertion aligns with findings from the latest World Trade Organisation (WTO) publication, World Trade Outlook and Statistics.
He noted that since 2014, the UAE has consistently secured its position as one of the leading global trade centres, maintaining its top status in the Middle East and Africa for goods and services trade. He pointed out that services comprise 20 percent of the UAE’s total global trade volume.
Al Zeyoudi attributed the expansion of foreign trade to the nation’s liberal economic model, its investor-friendly climate, regulatory adaptability, and the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPA) programme, which have collectively enhanced the UAE’s global trade connectivity.
He also stressed the vital contribution of semi-governmental bodies and private enterprises in reinforcing the country’s international trade influence.
Al Zeyoudi disclosed that preliminary figures for January 2025 suggest a 25 percent year-on-year rise in foreign trade, underlining ongoing momentum.
He further mentioned the UAE’s ascent as one of the foremost exporters of digital services in 2024, reflecting substantial progress in the sector. Key areas such as financial services, hospitality, IT, and transport experienced growth rates between 9 and 14 percent.
In 2024, global exports of goods and services increased by 2.9 percent and 6.8 percent respectively, while GDP rose by 2.8 percent. The total value of services hit US$8.69 trillion, accounting for 26.4 percent of global trade—the highest since 2005.
