The surging demand for critical minerals, driven by digitalisation, artificial intelligence, and the global energy transition, is reshaping international trade, with projections indicating a potential 75-fold increase in demand by 2050.
DMCC’s latest Future of Trade special edition report, The Critical Minerals Race: Trade, Supply and Transition, explores this rapid shift, highlighting the growing need for lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements. These minerals are essential for electric vehicles, renewable energy, and next-generation technologies. However, supply chain vulnerabilities, including geographic concentration in China, Russia, Australia, and Latin America, pose significant risks such as geopolitical tensions, resource nationalism, and supply bottlenecks.
Amid this evolving landscape, the MENA region is emerging as a key player in the critical minerals supply chain. Countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia are leveraging their trade networks, infrastructure, and investment capital to expand refining capacity, invest in mining projects, and forge new partnerships. This strategic positioning strengthens their role in the global energy transition and digital transformation.
Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and CEO of DMCC, emphasised the unprecedented demand for minerals like copper, lithium, and graphite, stating:
“This demand will profoundly reshape global trade flows and supply chains. The UAE and Dubai’s growing role—supported by world-class infrastructure and strategic partnerships—will drive resilience, innovation, and growth for global businesses.”
The report offers key recommendations for governments and businesses, including public-private partnerships, investment in alternative technologies, enhancing domestic refining, managing supply risks, and fostering industrial growth.
With over 2.5 million downloads across its editions, the Future of Trade report continues to serve as a vital resource for industry leaders and policymakers. The full special edition report is available on their website.
News Source: Dubai Media Office
