The UAE’s non-oil foreign trade reached a record AED2.945 trillion ($800 billion) in the first nine months of 2026, driven by robust export growth and expanding access to international markets, underscoring the country’s growing role as a global trade hub.

Non-oil foreign trade increased 10.1 per cent year on year during the January to September period, moving close to the AED3 trillion mark for the first time. The growth was led by non-oil exports, which climbed 21.6 per cent to a record AED705.8 billion, while imports rose 11.5 per cent to AED1.661 trillion. Re-exports totalled AED578 billion.

The contribution of non-oil exports to total trade rose to 24 per cent from 21.7 per cent a year earlier, supported by exports exceeding AED100 billion in a single month for the first time in September.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, said the UAE’s non-oil foreign trade was approaching AED3 trillion in just nine months, despite global economic and geopolitical uncertainties. He noted that exports to the country’s top 10 trading partners grew by 31 per cent during the period.

The latest figures continue a strong upward trajectory. Non-oil trade was 37.2 per cent higher than in the first nine months of 2024 and 55.2 per cent above 2023 levels, reflecting the impact of the UAE’s trade diversification strategy and expanding network of economic partnerships.

Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, attributed the performance to the resilience of the UAE’s trade ecosystem, improved supply-chain efficiency and the development of new trade corridors. He highlighted the role of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) programme in opening new markets and reducing trade barriers.

Trade with the 23 countries covered by the UAE’s 19 CEPAs reached AED510.8 billion, up 6.6 per cent year on year.

Switzerland, Hong Kong and India were the leading destinations for UAE non-oil exports.