UAE Trade Hits US$1.6Trillion; Enters Global Top 10 Exporters for the First Time: WTO Report
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The UAE has entered the ranks of the world’s top 10 exporting nations for the first time, according to the World Trade Organisation’s (WTO) latest “World Trade Prospects and Statistics” report.
The report highlighted a sharp rise in the UAE’s goods and services trade, which grew from US$949 billion (AED3.5 trillion) in 2021 to US$1.637 trillion (AED6.014 trillion) in 2025.
Trade in goods alone reached US$1.33 trillion (AED4.9 trillion), with exports accounting for 53% of total goods trade. At the same time, services trade stood at AED1.14 trillion, of which 61.4% comprised exports to global markets.
This performance resulted in a trade surplus of AED584.1 billion in 2025, up from AED492.3 billion in 2024, marking a year-on-year increase of 19%. The figures reinforce the UAE’s position in global trade, ranking 9th worldwide in goods exports and 13th in goods imports in 2025.
The WTO report also pointed to strong growth in services trade, which exceeded the AED1 trillion mark for the first time to reach AED1.14 trillion in 2025. This reflects the UAE’s forward-looking economic and trade policies, which have enhanced its global openness, competitiveness, and leadership.
A tweet posted by the official Dubai Media Office account on April 5, 2026, shared the statement of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed ibn Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. “Anyone who bets on the UAE is betting on growth, prosperity, and a brighter future,” he said in the post.
The UAE accounted for 3.3% of global goods exports, while its share of goods imports stood at 2.8%. In services, the country contributed 2% of global exports and 1.4% of global imports. Within the fast-growing digital services segment, the UAE ranked 25th globally, with exports valued at US$33 billion (AED121.19 billion), representing 0.6% of worldwide digital services exports. This segment alone makes up 17% of the UAE’s total services exports.
Since 2014, the UAE has retained its position as the leading trading nation across the Middle East and Africa.
Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, said, “The UAE’s top 10 ranking in goods exports for the first time in history is a testament to our nation’s competitiveness and a reflection of the world’s confidence in our economy. Despite the current geopolitical challenges, we are determined to build on this success and cement our position on the global trade map.”
Al Zeyoudi added that this achievement is underpinned by the strength and diversification of the UAE economy. He noted that key service sectors—including financial services, logistics, hospitality, information technology, and transportation—have recorded growth rates between 9% and 14%, highlighting the economy’s ability to adapt to global shifts and navigate ongoing geopolitical pressures.
He further explained that the UAE will continue expanding its network of trade partners through its Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) programme, enabling Emirati businesses, exporters, and manufacturers to access new markets with fewer barriers and strengthen the global competitiveness of national products.
Al Zeyoudi also emphasized ongoing efforts to enhance the country’s legislative and regulatory framework, alongside the adoption of advanced technologies to improve supply chain efficiency.
Reaffirming the UAE’s commitment to international cooperation, he stressed the importance of supporting the free flow of goods, services, and capital, while also calling for reforms to the WTO to better align with the evolving global economic landscape and ensure a fair and transparent system for all countries.
He concluded by noting the UAE’s track record of turning challenges into opportunities, reiterating its focus on sustained growth and development. He added that the country will continue pursuing open economic policies that prioritize sustainability and innovation, with foreign trade expected to remain resilient and on an upward trajectory.
The WTO report also highlighted broader challenges facing global trade, including a projected slowdown in 2026 due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and rising energy costs. Growth in goods trade is expected to ease to 1.9% in 2026, down from 4.6% in 2025, before recovering to 2.6% in 2027.
Similarly, services trade growth is forecast to slow to 4.8% in 2026, before picking up to 5.1% in 2027. In a scenario of continued energy price increases, goods trade growth could further decline to 1.4%, while services trade growth may moderate to 4.1% in 2026.
The UAE has entered the ranks of the world’s top 10 exporting nations for the first time, according to the World Trade Organisation’s (WTO) latest “World Trade Prospects and Statistics” report.
The report highlighted a sharp rise in the UAE’s goods and services trade, which grew from US$949 billion (AED3.5 trillion) in 2021 to US$1.637 trillion (AED6.014 trillion) in 2025.
Trade in goods alone reached US$1.33 trillion (AED4.9 trillion), with exports accounting for 53% of total goods trade. At the same time, services trade stood at AED1.14 trillion, of which 61.4% comprised exports to global markets.
Aalia Ahmed
Entrepreneur Staff
