The United Arab Emirates has entered the world’s top 10 exporting nations for the first time, marking a milestone that underscores its growing influence in global trade and supply chains, according to the World Trade Organisation’s latest report.
The WTO’s “World Trade Prospects and Statistics” report shows the UAE’s total goods and services trade climbed sharply from $949 billion in 2021 to $1.637 trillion in 2025. Goods trade alone reached $1.33 trillion, with exports accounting for 53 percent, while services trade rose to AED1.14 trillion, driven largely by strong export activity.
The country recorded a trade surplus of AED584.1 billion in 2025, up 19 percent from the previous year. The UAE ranked ninth globally in goods exports and 13th in imports, maintaining its position as the leading trade hub across the Middle East and Africa.
Services emerged as a key growth driver, surpassing the AED1 trillion mark for the first time. Sectors including finance, logistics, hospitality, information technology, and transport posted growth rates between 9 percent and 14 percent. Digital services exports reached $33 billion, contributing 17 percent of total services exports.
Minister of Foreign Trade Thani Al Zeyoudi said the achievement reflects global confidence in the UAE’s economy and its competitiveness despite ongoing geopolitical challenges. He highlighted continued efforts to expand trade partnerships through the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement programme and enhance supply chain efficiency through regulatory reforms and technology.
The WTO noted that global trade growth is expected to slow in 2026 amid geopolitical tensions and rising energy prices, though the UAE is positioned to sustain its upward trajectory through diversified economic policies and international cooperation.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
