Foreign trade comprising sectors not related to oil in Abu Dhabi increases by 34.7%, reaching a value of $53.2 billion in the first half of the year.
In the first half of 2025, Abu Dhabi's non-oil foreign trade experienced a significant boost, reaching an impressive 195.4 billion dirhams ($53.2 billion). This represents a 34.7% increase compared to the same period in 2024 when the trade was 145 billion dirhams.
The growth in exports, imports, and re-exports played a crucial role in this surge. Non-oil exports jumped 64% to 78.5 billion dirhams, while imports rose 15% to 80 billion dirhams. Re-exports also saw a substantial growth of 35%, reaching over 36 billion dirhams.
The key factors driving this growth are the efficiency of Abu Dhabi's infrastructure, advanced logistics services, and strategic investments across key sectors. These factors facilitate trade flows and ensure the smooth movement of goods through border crossings. Additionally, the adoption of advanced systems, innovations, and digital technologies by Abu Dhabi Customs and its strategic partners has greatly supported this growth.
Ahmed Jasim Al-Zaabi, chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, stated that the growth reflects the strength of long-term economic planning and commitment to free trade. Rashed Lahej Al-Mansoori, director general of Abu Dhabi Customs, attributed the growth in non-oil foreign trade to the success of the emirate's economic strategies.
In a bid to position Abu Dhabi among the world's most business-ready economies, Al-Zaabi aims to streamline trade procedures, deploy smart systems, and integrate services. He believes these initiatives will further boost trade and reinforce Abu Dhabi's position on the global trade map.
The UAE aims to hit a 4 trillion dirhams target for non-oil foreign trade by 2031. However, officials indicate this milestone may be achieved two years earlier than planned, reflecting the accelerating momentum in trade and economic diversification.
In conclusion, the key drivers behind Abu Dhabi's rapid non-oil trade growth and its ambitious 4 trillion dirhams target by 2031, which may be met ahead of schedule, are:
- Efficient infrastructure and advanced logistics services enabling smooth trade.
- Strategic sector investments fueling economic diversification.
- Adoption of advanced technologies and digital innovations facilitating customs and trade processes.
- Strong growth in exports, imports, and re-exports.
- Government initiatives supporting Abu Dhabi’s role as a global trade and logistics hub.
These factors collectively underpin Abu Dhabi’s impressive non-oil trade growth and its ambitious target, positioning the emirate as a significant player in the global trade scene.
[1] Abu Dhabi Media Office press release, [date] [2] General Administration of Abu Dhabi Customs data, [date] [3] Al-Zaabi interview, [date] [4] Al-Mansoori statement, [date]
- The world is taking notice of Abu Dhabi's significant growth in non-oil foreign trade, projected to hit a remarkable 4 trillion dirhams by 2031, potentially two years earlier than planned.
- The business sector, represented by the UAE's key industries like finance, art, and news, owes part of their success to the emirate's non-oil trade expansion, fueled by efficient infrastructure, advanced logistics services, and strategic sector investments.
- The economy of Abu Dhabi is experiencing rapid growth as exports, imports, and re-exports reveal a substantial increase, accounting for 78.5 billion dirhams, 80 billion dirhams, and 36 billion dirhams respectively, in the first half of 2025.
- The global trade industry will be influenced by Abu Dhabi's ambitious plans and rising economy, as the emirate's adoption of digital technologies and smart systems is expected to underpin its position as a significant player in the global trade scene.
[Further References:1] Abu Dhabi Media Office press release, [date]2] General Administration of Abu Dhabi Customs data, [date]3] Al-Zaabi interview, [date]4] Al-Mansoori statement, [date]]
