UAE Developing AI Tool to Alert Commercial Exporters to Market Barriers

The UAE is developing an artificial intelligence-enabled platform designed to alert commercial exporters when products face market barriers, Foreign Trade Undersecretary Fahad Al-Gergawi told Arab News. The system is designed to evaluate international obstacles and recommend alternative export destinations and partner companies within minutes.

Al-Gergawi did not disclose a launch date or specify how businesses will access the platform. He noted the initiative is part of a broader national effort to integrate technology into development plans and help exporters navigate market closures and global tariff increases.

According to official data cited by Al-Gergawi, UAE non-oil foreign trade grew by 27 percent in 2025 to approximately 3.8 trillion dirhams ($1.03 trillion). This performance brings the country within roughly 5 percent of its 4 trillion dirham trade target originally set for 2031.

Al-Gergawi highlighted the role of Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) in expanding non-oil trade. He noted that 93 to 95 percent of goods move duty-free between partner countries under these deals, generating customs savings of 15 to 20 percent for small and medium-sized exporters.