Image: Dubai Media Office
According to the Dubai Media Office, the non-oil foreign trade of the UAE experienced an impressive growth of 18.6% year-over-year in the first quarter of 2025, reaching a total of Dhs835 billion. This significant increase reflects the nation’s rapid progress towards its economic diversification goals, as highlighted by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai.
Sheikh Mohammed remarked, “In the first quarter of this year, non-oil foreign trade in the UAE rose by 18.6% compared to the previous year, accumulating to Dhs835 billion, while the global average stands at 2-3%. Notably, our non-oil exports soared by 41% on an annual basis.”
Performance of UAE’s Non-Oil Exports in Q1 2025
During the first quarter of 2025, non-oil exports totaled Dhs177.3 billion, marking a 40.7% increase from Q1 2024 and a 15.7% rise compared to the last quarter of 2024.
For the first time, non-oil exports accounted for over 21% of the UAE’s overall non-oil trade, surpassing both imports and re-exports.
Sheikh Mohammed added, “We are on track to achieve our target of expanding non-oil foreign trade to Dhs4 trillion by 2031 within the next two years, four years ahead of our scheduled timeline. In 2024, the GDP grew by 4%, reaching Dhs1.77 trillion, with the non-oil sector contributing 75.5% to the national economy.”
Re-exports saw a 6% annual increase, reaching Dhs189.1 billion, while imports climbed to Dhs468.6 billion, experiencing a 17.2% year-on-year growth but a slight decrease of 1.7% compared to Q4 2024.
As stated in the Dubai Media Office report, Sheikh Mohammed reaffirmed the UAE’s strong economic outlook, saying, “Under the direction of HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, our economy is witnessing remarkable success. Indicators of social, economic, and strategic stability are at unprecedented historical levels. We are optimistic about a brighter future, driven by the determined efforts of thousands of dedicated individuals working to fulfill the UAE’s global aspirations.”
Top Trading Partners of the UAE
Trade with the UAE’s top ten trading partners saw a rise of 20.2% in Q1 2025, outpacing the 16.9% growth registered with other nations. Notably, bilateral trade with India surged by 31%, with Saudi Arabia skyrocketing by 127%, followed by Turkiye at 8.3% and China at 9.6%, achieving new record highs.
The consistent record-breaking performance of the UAE’s non-oil trade over recent years underscores its commitment to establishing itself as a leading global hub for trade, investment, and logistics.