UAE exporters are holding firm on their growth outlook despite an increasingly complex global environment. With geopolitical pressures, shifting trade corridors, and global economic uncertainty continuing to evolve, businesses across the Emirates are doubling down on diversification strategies rather than pulling back.
The confidence is well-founded. The UAE entered the world’s top 10 goods exporters for the first time, ranking ninth globally according to the World Trade Organization, with total foreign trade reaching Dh6 trillion in 2025. Non-oil exports have surged, with non-oil exports increasing substantially by 32.9% during a recent reporting period, driven mainly by gold and jewellery, with India accounting for 13.5% of total non-oil export partners.
The government’s proactive approach through Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) is also paying dividends. More than 20 CEPAs have already been concluded, with the UAE targeting AED 4 trillion in non-oil trade by 2031.
Despite the positive numbers, exporters are not ignoring risks. Oil price volatility, regional instability, and the potential slowdown in global trade growth remain on the radar. Local CEOs cite geopolitics and political uncertainty as the greatest threat to organisational growth over the next three years.
Still, the broader picture remains optimistic. Real GDP growth is projected at 4.7% in 2025 and accelerating to 5.7% in 2026, with the non-hydrocarbon sector forecasted to grow at 5.1% and 4.8% in 2025 and 2026 respectively.
For UAE exporters, the message is clear: stay agile, leverage strategic trade agreements, and keep building new market relationships. The potential for expansion is real and so is the opportunity.
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