The United Arab Emirates recorded total foreign trade of AED5.23 trillion (US$1.424 trillion) in 2024, a 49 % increase from AED3.5 trillion (US$949 billion) in 2021, according to the World Trade Organisation’s “World Trade Outlook and Statistics” report.
This robust growth reflects the UAE’s strategic economic vision, reinforcing its position as the leading trade hub in the Middle East and Africa since 2014 and among the top 20 global trade centres for goods and services.
In a global trade environment marked by 2.9 per cent growth in merchandise trade and 6.8 per cent in services trade in 2024, the UAE’s performance underscores its resilience amid rising tariffs and uncertainties.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, emphasised the UAE’s role as a global trade hub, saying, “In a world of economic and trade challenges, the UAE has prioritised openness, connectivity, and the free flow of trade, capital, and people, establishing itself as a vital link between East and West and a global economic centre.”
H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum highlighted key achievements from the WTO report:
• Foreign trade reached AED5.23 trillion in 2024, with a trade surplus of AED492.3 billion, positioning the UAE as a driver of international trade.
• The UAE ranked 11th globally in merchandise exports and 13th in services exports.
• Services exports totalled AED646.6 billion, including AED191 billion in digital services, comprising 30 per cent of service exports.
• Merchandise exports amounted to AED2.22 trillion in 2024.
• The UAE contributed 41.4 per cent of the Middle East’s merchandise exports, solidifying its role as the region’s primary trade hub.
H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum concluded, “Under the leadership of the President, we will sustain and enhance these achievements. Our commitment to openness, trade liberalisation, and global connectivity will ensure continued growth and leadership.”
The UAE’s exceptional performance, as detailed in the WTO’s report, demonstrates its economic resilience amid global trade uncertainties. Comprehensive foreign trade (goods and services) grew by 49 per cent from 2021, reaching AED5.23 trillion (US$1.424 trillion) in 2024.
Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, affirmed, “Driven by visionary leadership and a commitment to economic openness, innovation, and global integration, the UAE has solidified its status as a global trade hub. Ranking 11th in merchandise exports and 13th in services exports, with a trade surplus of AED492.3 billion, the UAE achieved merchandise exports of AED2.22 trillion and services exports of AED646.6 billion, including AED191 billion in digital services, reflecting 30 per cent growth and leadership in future-oriented sectors.”
Al Zeyoudi added, “These achievements stem from national efforts, flexible policies, and strong international partnerships. The UAE will continue to enhance its global role by facilitating trade, expanding collaborations, and integrating with global value chains.”
The UAE achieved a trade balance surplus of AED492.3 billion (US$134 billion) in 2024, down slightly from AED573.1 billion in 2023, reflecting stability amid global challenges. Exports totalled AED2.8619 trillion, against imports of AED2.3696 trillion, per 2021–2024 statistics.
The UAE climbed from 17th to 11th globally in merchandise exports and from 18th to 14th in imports between 2021 and 2024, contributing 2.5 per cent to global merchandise exports and 2.2 per cent to imports. Exports reached US$603 billion (AED2.2153 trillion), and imports totalled US$539 billion (AED1.9802 trillion) in 2024.
The UAE ranked 21st globally in digital services exports, valued at US$52 billion (AED191 billion) in 2024, up from US$37 billion in 2021 and US$48 billion in 2023. Total digital services trade reached US$94 billion (AED345 billion), comprising one-third of services trade. Digital services imports, at US$42 billion (AED154 billion), also ranked 21st, contributing 1.1 per cent to global imports, reinforcing the UAE’s role as a technology hub.
Services trade totalled AED1.036 trillion (US$282 billion) in 2024, with exports of AED646.6 billion (62.4 per cent) and imports of AED389.4 billion. Information services grew by 14 per cent, tourism by 13 per cent, computer services by 12 per cent, financial services by 9 per cent, and transport, intellectual property, and insurance services by 8 per cent each, contributing 26.4 per cent to global trade, the highest share since 2005.
The UAE accounted for 41.4 per cent of the Middle East’s US$1.5 trillion merchandise exports, with regional exports growing by 3.7 per cent and services by 4.1 per cent in 2024. Globally, the UAE contributed 2 per cent to services exports and 1.3 per cent to imports, with service exports of US$176 billion (AED646.6 billion) and imports of US$106 billion (AED389.4 billion).
The UAE advanced from 17th to 13th in services exports and from 19th to 21st in services imports between 2021 and 2024, with services comprising 20 per cent of total trade.
In 2024, merchandise sectors grew, with office equipment and telecommunications at 10 per cent, electronics at 6 per cent, and agricultural products, food, and clothing at 3 per cent each. Industrial goods rose by 2 per cent, and chemicals and textiles by 1 per cent, while fuel and mining products fell by 7 per cent, iron and steel by 6 per cent, and automobiles by 1 per cent. Global merchandise exports grew by 2 per cent, reaching US$24.43 trillion.
The UAE’s achievements reflect its strategy of innovation and diversification, positioning it to navigate a forecasted 0.2 per cent decline in global merchandise trade in 2025. Contributing to a 1.6 per cent regional GDP growth in 2024, with projections of 3.2 per cent in 2025 and 3.5 per cent in 2026, the UAE remains resilient. Its economic policies, strategic location, and advanced infrastructure solidify its role as a global trade hub.
–WAM
