UAE non-oil trade reaches record Dh1.94 trillion in H1 2026

The UAE’s non-oil foreign trade reached Dh1.94 trillion in the first half of 2026, marking a 14.2 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2025. This record-breaking performance puts the country on track to exceed its Dh4 trillion annual trade target by the end of December. Trade drivers and export growth Non-oil exports served as the primary growth engine, surging 22.8 per cent to reach Dh232.4 billion. Gold, jewelry, and aluminum remained the top exported commodities. Re-exports also saw a sharp climb, rising 16.1 per cent to hit Dh380.2 billion. These figures, released on Sunday, 19 July, indicate that trade now accounts for a higher percentage of the UAE’s GDP than at any point in the last decade. The surge is attributed to the expansion of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) program. India remains the UAE’s largest trading partner, with bilateral non-oil trade growing by 11.5 per cent in the first six months of the year. Other major trading partners including Turkey, South Korea, and Indonesia also contributed to the double-digit growth following recent tariff removals under bilateral deals. Strategic implications for the UAE economy The latest data release is significant because it confirms the UAE’s successful diversification away from hydrocarbon dependency. Total imports also grew, rising 11.8 per cent to Dh1.33 trillion, driven by increased domestic demand for technology, machinery, and pharmaceutical products. Business owners and…