The United Arab Emirates has reached an unprecedented economic milestone by surpassing $1 trillion (AED 3.8 trillion) in non-oil foreign trade for the first time in its history. This remarkable achievement, announced on January 31, 2026, by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, represents a 26% year-over-year increase and was accomplished five years ahead of the original 2031 target.
According to newly reviewed government data, non-oil exports specifically surged to AED 813 billion, demonstrating extraordinary 45% growth compared to the previous year. The comprehensive trade performance shows consistent acceleration, with 2025 figures representing 27% growth over 2024, 44.3% over 2023, and nearly double the value recorded in 2021.
The fourth quarter of 2025 proved particularly strong, marking the first time the UAE achieved AED 1.1 trillion in non-oil trade within a single quarter—a 33.1% increase supported by record-breaking non-oil exports of AED 234.4 billion during the period. This represents 53.2% growth compared to the same quarter in 2024.
Sheikh Mohammed attributed this success to the UAE’s complete investment environment, expanded international partnerships, strengthened private sector collaborations, and firmly established global confidence in the nation’s economy. The export contribution to total non-oil trade reached 21.6% by end-2025, a significant increase from 14.1% recorded six years earlier in 2019, demonstrating substantial diversification progress.
The Dubai Ruler congratulated national teams while encouraging doubled efforts and deeper private sector partnerships to build an even stronger economic future, signaling the country’s commitment to maintaining this accelerated growth trajectory.