The Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) achieved total trade of AED 246 billion across its three economic zones in the first half of 2026, marking a 17 percent increase compared to the same period in 2025. This performance represents DIEZ's sixth consecutive year of record first-half trade and contributed approximately 16 percent to Dubai's total non-oil trade, up from 15.4 percent previously.
China remained DIEZ's largest commercial partner during H1 2026, with bilateral trade valued at AED 69.8 billion, representing 28.4 percent of the authority's total trade. Saudi Arabia ranked second with AED 26.5 billion (10.8 percent), followed by India with AED 17.6 billion (7.2 percent), and Vietnam with AED 13.2 billion (5.4 percent).
By trade category, imports across DIEZ rose 14 percent to AED 134.8 billion, while re-exports grew 22 percent to AED 108.8 billion, and direct exports reached AED 2.4 billion. Total trade volume reached approximately 270,000 tonnes during the period, compared to approximately 298,000 tonnes in H1 2025.
Machinery, equipment, and electrical equipment represented roughly 66 percent of DIEZ's total trade in H1 2026. Precious stones, precious metals, jewellery, and ornaments contributed about 30 percent, reflecting an 18 percent increase year-on-year. Together, these two commodity groups comprised approximately 96 percent of total trade flows through DIEZ.
Sources
- Emirates News Agency (WAM) · 2026-10-18
