UAE Non-Oil Trade Nears AED 3 Trillion in Nine Months as Exports Hit a Record

The UAE's non-oil foreign trade reached AED 2.945 trillion (about US$802 billion) in the first nine months of 2026, up 10.1% on the same period last year, according to figures published by the Emirates News Agency (WAM) on 8 and 9 November. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, reviewed the results.

Exports at a record

Non-oil exports rose 21.6% to a record of about AED 706 billion. Exports made up 24.0% of non-oil trade, up from 21.7% a year earlier. In September 2026, monthly non-oil exports passed AED 100 billion for the first time. Exports to the UAE's top ten partners rose 31.6%.

Imports grew 11.5% to AED 1.661 trillion, and re-exports reached AED 578 billion.

Third quarter and longer trend

Non-oil trade in the third quarter was AED 1.025 trillion, up 7.1% on the year and 11.1% on the previous quarter. Third-quarter exports were AED 256.1 billion, the fifth quarter in a row above AED 200 billion. Compared with the first nine months of 2023 (AED 1.9 trillion), trade is up 55.2%.

Markets and products

Switzerland, Hong Kong and India were the top export markets, led by gold, jewellery and tobacco products. Saudi Arabia was the largest destination for re-exports, with telephone sets, diamonds and cars among the main re-exported goods. China was the largest source of imports, followed by India and the United States.

Role of trade agreements

Trade with the 23 countries covered by the UAE's 19 Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) in force as of 20 October 2026 reached about AED 510.8 billion. Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, said the CEPAs played a central role in the rise in exports by opening markets and lowering trade barriers.

What this means for shippers

• Exporters shipping from the UAE to CEPA partner countries should check whether their goods qualify for reduced tariffs and what certificate of origin is required.
• Strong re-export flows keep the UAE a key hub for regional distribution, so plan space early on busy Gulf and Indian Subcontinent lanes.

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Sources:

• TradeArabia (WAM), "UAE 9M non-oil foreign trade hits $800bn on booming exports", 9 November 2026. https://tradearabia.com/News/489374/UAE-9M-non-oil-foreign-trade-hits-$800bn-on-booming-exports/IND
• Arab News, "UAE non-oil trade reaches $802bn as exports hit record", 9 November 2026. https://www.arabnews.com/business/uae-non-oil-trade-reaches-802bn-as-exports-hit-record-3010684