UAE non-oil trade hits record Dh1.39 trillion in first half of 2026

The UAE’s non-oil foreign trade reached a record Dh1.39 trillion in the first six months of 2026, marking a 11.2% increase compared to the same period in 2025. This growth follows a consistent upward trend in the country’s diversification efforts, with non-oil exports specifically rising by 25% to reach Dh256.4 billion during the same timeframe. UAE trade diversification accelerates According to data released on Tuesday, 21 July by Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, the surplus in the country’s non-oil trade balance expanded as domestic manufacturing and re-exports gained momentum. Re-exports grew by 15.5% to total Dh380 billion, while imports climbed 7.5% to reach Dh753.6 billion. The figures confirm that non-oil trade now accounts for a larger share of the country’s total economic activity than in any previous half-year period. The trade data highlights the expansion of the UAE’s Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) program. Trade with CEPA partners, which include India, Turkey, and Indonesia, accounted for a significant portion of the growth. Gold, jewelry, and telecommunications equipment remained the top traded commodities, while the automotive sector saw a 12% rise in import value as the UAE strengthened its role as a regional logistics hub. Market implications and logistics growth The release of this data on Tuesday, 21 July provides a mid-year benchmark for the UAE’s "We the UAE 2031" vision, which targets a total…