UAE Non-Oil Trade Exceeds $517 Billion in H1 2026, Signifying Global Hub Status

The United Arab Emirates has solidified its status as a major global hub for trade and investment, with its non-oil foreign trade surging past AED 1.9 trillion (US$517.36 billion) in the first six months of 2026.

Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, highlighted the country's open economic policies, advanced infrastructure, and agile legislative framework as key drivers. These factors enable the UAE to effectively use global economic shifts into new growth opportunities.

Driving Investment and Partnerships

The Minister also noted the UAE's strong performance in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), with inflows reaching US$48.3 billion in 2025, elevating the country to ninth globally among top FDI destinations. The cumulative stock of FDI in the UAE now exceeds AED 1.17 trillion.

Al Zeyoudi delivered these insights during the 15th AIM Investment Summit 2026, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The summit, themed ‘Reshaping Global Prosperity: Opening New Investment Pathways Towards a Sustainable and Inclusive Future’, drew 25,000 participants from 191 countries and featured 540 speakers across numerous sessions.

Future Economic Focus

The UAE's economic model, built on openness and international partnerships, is strategically preparing for rapid shifts in the global economy. Future investment priorities include technology-led sectors, particularly artificial intelligence, clean energy, climate technology, food and water security, and sustainable infrastructure.

Al Zeyoudi emphasised that the UAE provides investors with a global platform for growth and market access, not merely a local market. He stressed the importance of long-term partnerships that facilitate knowledge transfer, technology adoption, job creation, and sustainable, inclusive growth, reinforcing the UAE's role as a bridge connecting global markets and economies.