UAE Foreign Trade Maintains Double-Digit Growth in 2026, Diversifies Global Partnerships

The UAE has sustained double-digit growth in its foreign trade during the first nine months of 2026, despite global economic challenges. Fahad Al Gergawi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Trade, confirmed this during the Dubai FinTech Summit, highlighting the nation's efforts to enhance its position as a global trade and investment hub.

Record Trade Figures and Strategic Initiatives

Non-oil foreign trade reached a record AED 1.937 trillion in the first half of 2026. Last year, the UAE's total foreign trade was approximately US$1 trillion, with further growth anticipated for 2026. This performance underscores the resilience of the UAE's national economy and its proactive approach to global developments.

To ensure continued trade flow and improve logistics efficiency, the UAE is actively expanding port capacities on its eastern coast, particularly in Fujairah and Khorfakkan. The Etihad Rail network is also being leveraged for goods transport. UAE companies play a significant global role in managing and operating over 140 ports and 30 airports worldwide.

Expanding Global Economic Partnerships

Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) are a cornerstone of the UAE's strategy to broaden foreign trade and create new market access for businesses. The UAE initiated its CEPA journey with India, concluding the agreement in just 88 days, and has since expanded partnerships with major economies including Türkiye, Australia, and Indonesia. The UAE's network of economic agreements now spans approximately 40 countries.

"CEPAs go beyond reducing customs duties and facilitating trade. They also support investment attraction, industrial development and business competitiveness by providing access to new markets and creating opportunities for manufacturing, exports and re-exports."

These agreements aim to attract investments, foster industrial development, and boost business competitiveness by opening new markets and creating opportunities for manufacturing, exports, and re-exports. The UAE is recognised as one of the world's top five re-export hubs, benefiting from its strategic location and integrated infrastructure.

Future Outlook and Technological Integration

Al Gergawi emphasised the need for innovative trade finance products and greater collaboration between financial institutions and commercial sectors to support expanding international trade. The Ministry of Foreign Trade is also focused on integrating advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), to streamline operations and enhance service efficiency. This aligns with broader government initiatives to accelerate procedures and improve overall service delivery.

Long-term infrastructure investments in ports, airports, business centres, and logistics facilities have established an integrated ecosystem connecting trade with capital flows, reinforcing the UAE’s capacity to attract investments and develop international economic relationships. The UAE remains committed to diversifying its economic partnerships and enhancing its financial and logistics ecosystem to support ongoing foreign trade growth.