Page 361 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - APRIL 2025 (Part 1)

4/23/25, 4:36 PM UAE Foreign Trade Reaches AED5.23 Trillion in 2024
H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum highlighted key achievements from the WTO report:
• Foreign trade reached AED5.23 trillion in 2024, with a trade surplus of AED492.3 billion, positioning the UAE as a driver of international
trade.
• The UAE ranked 11th globally in merchandise exports and 13th in services exports.
• Services exports totalled AED646.6 billion, including AED191 billion in digital services, comprising 30 per cent of service exports.
• Merchandise exports amounted to AED2.22 trillion in 2024.
• The UAE contributed 41.4 per cent of the Middle East’s merchandise exports, solidifying its role as the region’s primary trade hub.
H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum concluded, “Under the leadership of the President, we will sustain and enhance these
achievements. Our commitment to openness, trade liberalisation, and global connectivity will ensure continued growth and leadership.”
The UAE’s exceptional performance, as detailed in the WTO’s report, demonstrates its economic resilience amid global trade
uncertainties. Comprehensive foreign trade (goods and services) grew by 49 per cent from 2021, reaching AED5.23 trillion (US$1.424
trillion) in 2024.
Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, affirmed, “Driven by visionary leadership and a commitment to
economic openness, innovation, and global integration, the UAE has solidified its status as a global trade hub. Ranking 11th in
merchandise exports and 13th in services exports, with a trade surplus of AED492.3 billion, the UAE achieved merchandise exports of
AED2.22 trillion and services exports of AED646.6 billion, including AED191 billion in digital services, reflecting 30 per cent growth and
leadership in future-oriented sectors.”

Al Zeyoudi added, “These achievements stem from national efforts, flexible policies, and strong international partnerships. The UAE will
continue to enhance its global role by facilitating trade, expanding collaborations, and integrating with global value chains.”

The UAE achieved a trade balance surplus of AED492.3 billion (US$134 billion) in 2024, down slightly from AED573.1 billion in 2023,
reflecting stability amid global challenges. Exports totalled AED2.8619 trillion, against imports of AED2.3696 trillion, per 2021–2024
statistics.
The UAE climbed from 17th to 11th globally in merchandise exports and from 18th to 14th in imports between 2021 and 2024,
contributing 2.5 per cent to global merchandise exports and 2.2 per cent to imports. Exports reached US$603 billion (AED2.2153 trillion),
and imports totalled US$539 billion (AED1.9802 trillion) in 2024.
The UAE ranked 21st globally in digital services exports, valued at US$52 billion (AED191 billion) in 2024, up from US$37 billion in 2021
and US$48 billion in 2023. Total digital services trade reached US$94 billion (AED345 billion), comprising one-third of services trade.
Digital services imports, at US$42 billion (AED154 billion), also ranked 21st, contributing 1.1 per cent to global imports, reinforcing the
UAE’s role as a technology hub.

Image:WAM

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