The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI) has announced a significant uptick in the issuance of certificates of origin, highlighting the resilience of Abu Dhabi’s non-oil export sector and the effectiveness of the emirate’s economic diversification efforts.
From June 2024 to June 2025, the number of certificates issued by the Chamber increased by 10.3 percent in comparison to the previous year’s figures. This growth indicates a broader participation of exporters and a diversification in the emirate’s economic framework, aligning with Abu Dhabi’s strategic development objectives, as reported by WAM.
The upward trend in certificates demonstrates ADCCI’s commitment to strengthening the private sector, enhancing global access for local businesses, and establishing Abu Dhabi as a central hub for trade and investment. This development underscores the emirate’s expanding role in international supply chains and commerce.
Surge in Export Growth Across Various Sectors
During the first half of 2025, Abu Dhabi’s non-oil foreign trade experienced remarkable growth, increasing by 34.7 percent year-on-year. Non-oil exports saw a substantial rise of 64 percent, while re-exports grew by 35 percent, and imports rose by 15 percent, reflecting the vibrancy of the emirate’s economy.
This positive trend builds on the successful performance of 2024, during which non-oil trade increased by 9 percent, non-oil exports by 16 percent, re-exports by 11 percent, and imports by 3 percent.
ADCCI reported that certificates of origin were issued to companies across diverse sectors, with notable contributions from the chemicals, metals, and engineering industries. This data emphasizes the emirate’s developing industrial expertise and its initiative to establish a high-value, export-oriented manufacturing sector.
SMEs Expand Their Global Presence
A crucial factor behind this export achievement is the increasing involvement of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). These enterprises are progressively exploring global opportunities, supported by various initiatives from the Chamber, including export training, business matchmaking, and partnerships with international trade organizations.
Shamis Al Dhaheri, the second vice chairman and managing director of the Abu Dhabi Chamber, remarked, “The ongoing growth in the issuance of certificates of origin clearly indicates the vitality of the emirate’s export sector. This trend demonstrates that our firms are competitive on the global stage and adept at capitalizing on new market openings.”
He further stated, “This also reflects the confidence that global markets have in the caliber of our products and services. We are dedicated to supporting Abu Dhabi’s non-oil exporters, particularly SMEs, by offering premier trade facilitation services and fostering sustainable growth.”
Certificates as Drivers of Economic Growth
Certificates of origin, which verify the national origin of products, are essential resources for exporters. They enable businesses to take advantage of preferential trade conditions through bilateral and multilateral agreements, providing UAE exporters with a notable competitive advantage.
Al Dhaheri highlighted the Chamber’s commitment to expanding digital trade services, enhancing partnerships, and promoting the private sector as part of its strategy to facilitate Abu Dhabi’s economic vision.
“Certificates of origin act as access points to wider trade possibilities,” he stated. “They are also instrumental in augmenting the private sector’s role in Abu Dhabi’s economic development.”
The Chamber reaffirmed that the rise in trade certifications reflects heightened confidence in its services and underscores the resilience of the private sector. “We are committed to pursuing Abu Dhabi’s vision for a sustainable, export-driven economy and will continuously develop platforms that assist local businesses in achieving global growth,” Al Dhaheri concluded.