UAE global exports are now ranked among the top 10 worldwide, marking a major milestone in the country's international trade history. The UAE moved from rank 17 to rank 9 within five years, placing it among the most active export economies in the world. Total trade has crossed AED 6 trillion, cementing the country's position in global markets.
UAE Global Exports Reach Top 10 Worldwide
UAE global exports are now ranked 9th globally based on data from the World Trade Organization. This is the first time the UAE has entered the WTO's top 10 list of global goods exporters.
The UAE currently accounts for around 3.3 percent of total global goods exports. The country's goods and services trade rose from $949 billion (AED 3.5 trillion) in 2021 to $1.637 trillion (AED 6 trillion) in 2025 — a remarkable jump in just four years.
Officials have underscored continued expansion of trade partnerships, with the UAE having concluded agreements with 35 countries through its Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) programme.
UAE Trade Surpasses AED 6 Trillion
UAE global exports are supported by total trade exceeding AED 6 trillion, or approximately $1.6 trillion. Goods trade contributes around AED 4.9 trillion, while services account for approximately AED 1.14 trillion — itself surpassing the AED 1 trillion threshold for the first time.
Digital services exports have reached about $33 billion, driven by growth in technology, financial services, and digital platforms.
The 2025 trade surplus reached AED 584.1 billion, up 19 percent from AED 492.3 billion in 2024, reflecting the strength of the UAE's export-led growth model.
Non-Oil Trade Crosses $1 Trillion for the First Time
UAE global exports continue to expand through strong non-oil trade diversification. Non-oil foreign trade crossed $1 trillion for the first time in the country's history — a direct result of the UAE's sustained economic diversification strategy.
CEPA partners drove 18.2 percent growth in non-oil exports, with India trade alone rising 14.7 percent.
Abu Dhabi contributed significantly to this milestone, with non-oil foreign trade in the emirate recording a 35 percent increase. Manufacturing, logistics, and trade services continue to power this progress.
Dubai's Role as a Global Trade Hub
Dubai remains central to UAE global exports through its advanced logistics infrastructure and connectivity. The emirate's ports and free zones give international companies access to regional and global markets, supporting vast volumes of trade activity every year.
Dubai's position as a global business hub supports export activity across industries — from gold and diamonds to electronics and food commodities — making it a critical driver of the UAE's overall trade performance.
Services and Digital Trade Add New Growth Layers
UAE global exports are further strengthened by rapid growth in services and digital trade. Services trade now contributes over AED 1.14 trillion, confirming its growing importance to the overall economy.
Digital exports — including technology services, financial platforms, and online commerce — continue to expand, adding new dimensions to the UAE's export profile and reinforcing its competitive position in international markets.
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UAE global exports reaching rank 9 worldwide marks a defining moment. The rise from 17th to 9th in five years, combined with AED 6 trillion in total trade and a historic $1 trillion non-oil trade milestone, shows how rapidly the UAE has reshaped its role in global commerce. Dubai and Abu Dhabi remain the twin engines of this expansion.
