Economy UAE’s non-oil exports surge 41% in first quarter By Pramod Kumar June 16, 2025, 12:30 PM Wam Trade with the UAE’s top 10 trading partners grew by 20 percent in Q1 2025, compared with 17 percent with other countries Exports outpace imports Global trade expands Targets are met early The UAE posted a massive jump in non-oil exports in the first quarter of 2025, driven by economic stability and diversification efforts. Non-oil exports rose 41 percent annually to AED177.3 billion ($48.3 billion), the UAE state-run Wam news agency reported, quoting the UAE vice president and prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. On a quarter-on-quarter basis, non-oil exports increased by 16 percent. Non-oil exports contributed to more than 21 percent of the UAE’s total non-oil foreign trade for the first time in the nation’s history, outpacing the growth of both imports and re-exports. Total non-oil foreign trade grew 19 percent year on year in the first quarter to AED 835 billion. “Our goal to grow non-oil foreign trade to AED4 trillion by 2031 will be achieved within the next two years, four years ahead of schedule,” Sheikh Mohammed, who is also the Dubai Ruler, said. In 2024, the UAE’s economy expanded by 4 percent to AED1.8 trillion, with the non-oil sector contributing 76 percent to the country’s GDP. UAE transport and logistics lead global hiring outlook EU launches UAE trade talks despite watchlist status UAE entrepreneurs lack succession plans, warns HSBC Re-exports rose 6 percent annually to AED 189 billion, while imports grew by 17 percent year on year to AED469 billion. However, imports dipped 1.7 percent compared to the fourth quarter of 2024. Trade with the UAE’s top 10 trading partners grew by 20 percent in Q1 2025, compared with 17 percent with other countries. Trade with India rose by 31 percent, Saudi Arabia 127 percent, Turkey 8 percent and China 10 percent. Register now: It’s easy and free AGBI registered members can access even more of our unique analysis and perspective on business and economics in the Middle East. Why sign uP Exclusive weekly email from our editor-in-chief Personalised weekly emails for your preferred industry sectors Read and download our insight packed white papers Access to our mobile app Prioritised access to live events Register for free Already registered? Sign in I’ll register later Register now: It’s easy and free AGBI registered members can access even more of our unique analysis and perspective on business and economics in the Middle East. Why sign uP Exclusive weekly email from our editor-in-chief Personalised weekly emails for your preferred industry sectors Read and download our insight packed white papers Access to our mobile app Prioritised access to live events Register for free Already registered? Sign in I’ll register later
