UAE Achieves $1.4 Trillion in Foreign Trade, Marking Strong Economic Growth

UAE, 21 April, 2025 : The UAE's foreign trade reached AED 5.23 trillion (USD 1.424 trillion) in 2024, marking a 49% increase from AED 3.5 trillion (USD 949 billion) in 2021, according to the World Trade Organization’s latest report. This growth underscores the UAE’s strategic vision, reinforcing its position as a leading global trade hub.

In a global trade environment growing at 2.9% for merchandise and 6.8% for services, the UAE's performance highlights its resilience amid rising tariffs and uncertainties. The UAE ranked 11th globally in merchandise exports and 13th in services exports, with a trade surplus of AED 492.3 billion (USD 134 billion).

Key Highlights:

• Merchandise Exports: AED 2.22 trillion (USD 603 billion), up from previous years.

• Services Exports: AED 646.6 billion (USD 176 billion), including AED 191 billion (USD 52 billion) in digital services.

• Trade Surplus: AED 492.3 billion, reflecting the UAE’s strong export performance.

• The UAE accounted for 41.4% of the Middle East's merchandise exports, with significant growth in digital services, office equipment, and electronics.

Visionary Leadership
H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, emphasized the country’s role as a global trade hub, stating that the UAE’s openness and connectivity have positioned it as a vital link between East and West.

Economic Resilience
The UAE’s success reflects its commitment to economic openness, innovation, and global integration, further solidifying its role in global trade. The country is expected to continue growing, with projections of 3.2% GDP growth in 2025.

The UAE’s foreign trade performance in 2024 underscores its strategic policies, advanced infrastructure, and position as a resilient global trade center.