The UAE recorded total foreign trade of AED5.23tn ($1.424tn) in 2024, according to the World Trade Organisation’s “World Trade Outlook and Statistics” report.
It represents a 49 per cent increase from AED3.5tn ($949bn) in 2021
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.
UAE foreign trade
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.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, said: “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.”
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum highlighted key achievements from the WTO report:
- Foreign trade reached AED5.23tn in 2024, with a trade surplus of AED492.3bn, 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 AED646.6bn, including AED191bn in digital services, comprising 30 per cent of service exports
- Merchandise exports amounted to AED2.22tn 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
Sheikh Mohammed said: “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 AED5.23tn ($1.424tn) in 2024.
Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, said: “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 AED492.3bn, the UAE achieved merchandise exports of AED2.22tn services exports of AED646.6bn, including AED191bn in digital services, reflecting 30 per cent growth and leadership in future-oriented sectors.
“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 AED492.3bn ($134bn) in 2024, down slightly from AED573.1bn in 2023, reflecting stability amid global challenges.
Exports totalled AED2.8619tn, against imports of AED2.3696tn, 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 $603bn (AED2.2153tn), and imports totalled $539bn (AED1.9802tn) in 2024.
The UAE ranked 21st globally in digital services exports, valued at $52bn (AED191bn) in 2024, up from $37bn in 2021 and $48bn in 2023.
Total digital services trade reached $94bn (AED345bn), comprising one-third of services trade. Digital services imports, at $42bn (AED154bn), also ranked 21st, contributing 1.1 per cent to global imports, reinforcing the UAE’s role as a technology hub.
Services trade totalled AED1.036tn ($282bn) in 2024, with exports of AED646.6bn (62.4 per cent) and imports of AED389.4bn. 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 $1.5tn 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 $176bn (AED646.6bn) and imports of $106bn (AED389.4bn).
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 $24.43tn.
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.
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