Page 53 - ECI PR REPORT - SEPTEMBER 2025

9/2/25, 8:27 AM Reimagining growth: Leadership, innovation and sustainability in the UAE’s evolving trade landscape | Global Trade Review (GTR)
The UAE’s federal export credit company, Etihad Credit Insurance (ECI), is at the heart of this mission, serving
as a vital enabler for businesses ready to explore international markets. By enhancing the global competitiveness
of our businesses, ECI not only accelerates the expansion of non-oil exports but also reinforces the UAE’s
position as a dynamic, diversified economic powerhouse.

The UAE economic model: A blueprint for diversification

The UAE’s bold transition away from hydrocarbon dependency toward a diversified, knowledge-based economy
is a testament to its adaptive policymaking and proactive investment in future industries. By investing heavily in
sectors such as renewable energy, advanced technology, logistics, manufacturing, healthcare and financial
services, the nation is laying down the structural foundations of long-term resilience.

Geographically situated at the crossroads of East and West, the UAE leverages its strategic location to serve as a
gateway for global trade. Its world-class ports, free zones, airports and multimodal logistics corridors rank
among the most sophisticated in the world, facilitating seamless movement of goods and services.
Complementing these assets is a business-friendly regulatory environment, with progressive tax incentives and
streamlined customs procedures that make it easy for entrepreneurs and global investors to set up and scale their
operations.

The country’s rapidly advancing digital infrastructure and government-led digital transformation initiatives
further enhance its competitive edge, offering a frictionless trade ecosystem that is ready for the digital economy.
This holistic approach underscores the UAE’s commitment to building an agile and sustainable economy that
thrives on innovation.

These initiatives are bearing tangible results. The UAE’s non-oil foreign trade is on track to surpass AED4tn
within two years, well ahead of the original 2031 target. In Q1 of this year alone, non-oil trade surged by 18.6%,
reaching AED835bn – far exceeding the global average. Even more strikingly, non-oil exports grew by an
impressive 41% year-on-year, reflecting the success of the UAE’s diversification strategy and the vitality of its
trading enterprises.

SMEs at the heart of global trade

SMEs represent more than 94% of the companies operating in the UAE and contribute approximately 52% to
non-oil GDP, underscoring their central role in economic growth, innovation and employment. These businesses
are not just economic contributors; they are the incubators of new ideas and the engines of adaptability in an
increasingly uncertain world.

To facilitate SMEs in their global expansion endeavours, the UAE government has launched various export
promotion initiatives and trade facilitation programs. Organisations like ECI provide SMEs innovative credit
solutions, facilitate easy access to finance, provide expert market insights and foster strategic collaborations.
Through collaborative efforts with national financial institutions like Emirates Development Bank and First Abu
Dhabi Bank (FAB), ECI is driving inclusive economic growth and enabling the UAE’s businesses to thrive in an
increasingly complex global trade environment.

Xport Xponential: Catalysing global expansion

To further accelerate SME participation in international markets, last year ECI launched Xport Xponential, a
comprehensive programme designed to support UAE-based companies. Since its inception, the programme has
already facilitated AED174mn in financing through strategic collaborations with leading banks, including FAB,
Commercial Bank of Dubai, Ajman Bank and Al Maryah Community Bank.

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