The United Arab Emirates recorded AED 2.945 trillion in non-oil foreign trade during the first nine months of 2026, representing a 10.1% year-on-year increase, according to official trade data. Non-oil exports climbed 21.6% to AED 705.8 billion, while imports rose 11.5% to AED 1.661 trillion, and re-exports totaled AED 578 billion. Non-oil exports accounted for 24% of total trade, up from 21.7% in the corresponding period of 2025.
China maintained its standing as the UAE's leading import supplier and largest overall trading partner for non-oil goods. UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi stated that international partnerships and trade corridors continue to diversify across logistics, technology, and manufacturing, supporting the country's position as a regional operating base for global corporate trade.
In the third quarter of 2026, non-oil foreign trade reached AED 1.025 trillion, an increase of 7.1% compared to the third quarter of 2025. Quarterly non-oil exports stood at AED 256.1 billion, maintaining a streak of quarterly non-oil exports exceeding AED 200 billion for five consecutive quarters. In September 2026, monthly non-oil exports exceeded AED 100 billion for the first time.
Trade data showed that as of October 20, 2026, the UAE had 19 Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) in force covering 23 countries, generating non-oil trade of approximately AED 510.8 billion. Key non-oil export destinations included Switzerland, Hong Kong, and India, while Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Oman served as the primary destinations for re-exports.
Sources
- The Times Union · 2026-11-09
