According to a World Trade Organization (WTO) report, the UAE has entered the top 10 countries for goods exports for the first time in its history, ranking ninth. The UAE's total foreign trade reached 6 trillion dirhams ($1.63 trillion) in 2025, compared to 5.23 trillion dirhams ($1.42 trillion) in 2024, marking a growth of approximately 15%. This achievement highlights the dynamism and resilience of the national economy. Since 2014, the UAE has maintained its leadership in trade with the world in the Middle East and Africa, rising from the 17th to the 9th position in the global goods export ranking in less than five years. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, stated that these accomplishments are the fruit of the visionary leadership's guidance and its commitment to greater openness to the world. He emphasized that the strength and diversification of the UAE's economy, across goods, services, and digital services, form the cornerstone of this success. In 2025, the total value of foreign trade in goods and services combined reached 6.014 trillion dirhams, achieving a record trade surplus of 584.1 billion dirhams. The minister also affirmed the UAE's commitment to enhancing its position as a key player in the global trading system and called for WTO reform to keep pace with rapid changes in the global economy. He concluded by noting that the UAE has a proven track record of turning challenges into opportunities and will continue its path of growth, guided by the wise leadership of its rulers, the will of its people, and its open economic policies that place sustainability and innovation at the core. The WTO report also addressed challenges facing global trade, particularly the projected slowdown in 2026 due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and rising energy prices.
