Mohammed bin Rashid: UAE's non-oil foreign trade nears AED2 trillion in first half of 2026

Dubai: The UAE's non-oil foreign trade reached a historic AED1.937 trillion in the first half of 2026, marking annual growth of 13.1 per cent, while non-oil exports climbed to a record AED452.8 billion, according to figures reviewed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Sheikh Mohammed described the results as "exceptional by every measure", noting that the UAE's non-oil foreign trade had come close to the AED2 trillion mark within just six months.

"Our non-oil foreign trade has approached the AED2 trillion mark in just six months, reaching a final figure of AED1.937 trillion, representing an annual growth of 13.1 per cent. Our national non-oil exports also reached a new historic record of AED452.8 billion," Sheikh Mohammed said.

He added that the figures represent more than trade performance alone.

"These figures are more than trade statistics; they are a testament to the strength of our economy, the effectiveness of our development choices and the world's confidence in the UAE."

Strong growth trajectory

The first-half results showed non-oil foreign trade increasing by:

Non-oil trade in the first six months of 2026 was also more than double the levels recorded during the same period in both 2019 and 2021.

Exports drive performance

Non-oil exports emerged as the strongest contributor to trade growth, rising 23.9 per cent year-on-year to reach AED452.8 billion.

Exports accounted for 23.4 per cent of total non-oil foreign trade during the first half of 2026, compared with 21.3 per cent in the same period of 2025, 18.4 per cent in 2024 and 16.9 per cent in 2023.

The figures highlight the UAE's continued transition towards an economy increasingly driven by production, exports and value-added industries.

Key trading partners

China remained the UAE's largest non-oil trading partner, with trade valued at AED180.7 billion.

It was followed by:

Among major trading partners, Egypt, Oman and Hong Kong also recorded notable growth.

Trade with the UAE's ten largest trading partners grew 12.6 per cent, while trade with the rest of the world increased 13.6 per cent, reflecting the broad diversification of the country's international commercial relationships.

CEPA agreements continue to boost trade

The data also highlighted the growing impact of the UAE's Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs).

Non-oil trade with countries where CEPAs are fully in force reached AED304.3 billion during the first half of 2026.

Imports from these partner countries totalled AED193.5 billion, while non-oil exports reached AED66.1 billion.

Non-oil exports now account for 21.7 per cent of the UAE's total trade with CEPA partners, up from 19.1 per cent in 2022, underscoring the role of the agreements in expanding market access for Emirati businesses.

Gold tops trade commodities

Gold remained the UAE's largest non-oil traded commodity, reaching AED706.2 billion in the first half of 2026, representing year-on-year growth of 48.8 per cent.

It was followed by:

The ten leading commodities accounted for approximately 67 per cent of the UAE's total non-oil merchandise trade during the period.

The results reinforce the UAE's sustained economic momentum and its position as one of the world's most dynamic and competitive trading hubs, underpinned by trade openness, international partnerships and continued diversification.