In 2025, the United Arab Emirates achieved its first milestone in economic achievements as the figure of non-oil foreign trade reached AED 3.8 trillion (USD 1 trillion). According to the official trade statistics, the annual growth of more than 27 percent is largely due to the growth in non-oil exports and the enlargement of global trading alliances. Some of the attributes identified by analysts include better logistics infrastructure, an increased access to markets, and increased diversity in exports. The figures were also captured prior to the long-term forecasts suggesting the continuation of the alteration in the trade dynamics as opposed to a one-time increase.
A Historic Trade Threshold
The fact that the UAE ranks above the AED 3.8 trillion mark puts the economy as one of the few that have trillion-dollar non-oil levels of trade. Overall non-oil trade increased by approximately 27 percent as compared to 2024 showing a steady growth in both imports, exports, and re-exports. Trade statistics indicate that this expansion is based on structural adjustment, and further globalisation.
Exports Take on a Larger Role
In 2025, non-oil exports experienced a growth of over 45 percent as compared to overall trade. The export constituted 21.6 percent of the total non-oil trade as compared to 18.8 percent last year. Economists observe that the increase in the export share enhances stability in trade balance and a low vulnerability to external shocks in supply.
Broad-Based Product Growth
The best export growth was recorded in precious metals and compounds, plastic products, gold and jewellery, perfumes, and aluminium and copper products. This is dispersed in consumer, industrial and high-value products with a diversified export base in accordance with the international demand patterns.
Record Quarter and Trade Flows
Non-oil trade of AED 1.1 trillion was recorded during the fourth quarter of 2025, the highest level of the period in its history. Re-exports amounted to AED 830. 2 billion, and non-oil imports amounted to more than AED 2.1 trillion, further confirming the position of the UAE as a regional trading and logistical center.
Partnerships and Long-Term Direction
Trading activities with those countries that are still under Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) have registered significant gains. To comment the data, the UAE leadership emphasized that the outcomes had been achieved decades before the long-term goals, which indicated the positive expectations regarding the investment environment and trade ecosystem.
