The Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) achieved AED 246 billion ($66.98 billion) in total trade across its three economic zones in the first half of 2026, representing a 17 percent increase compared to the same period in 2025, according to CEO Insights Asia. The performance marks the authority's sixth consecutive year of record first-half trade figures.
Imports into DIEZ zones rose 14 percent year-on-year to AED 134.8 billion, while re-exports grew by 22 percent to approximately AED 108.8 billion. Direct exports from the zones totalled about AED 2.4 billion during the six-month period. DIEZ's share of Dubai's total non-oil foreign trade expanded to approximately 16 percent, up from 15.4 percent during the first half of the prior year.
Machinery, equipment, and electrical devices constituted roughly 66 percent of DIEZ's total trade value in the first half of 2026. Precious stones, precious metals, jewelry, and ornaments represented approximately 30 percent, reflecting an 18 percent increase compared to the first half of 2025.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, stated that the continued growth amid global trade challenges highlights the resilience of Dubai's economic and logistics framework and its capacity to maintain trade continuity across supply chains.
Sources
- CEO Insights Asia · 2026-10-19
