Page 364 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - APRIL 2025 (Part 1)

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler
of Dubai, emphasised the UAE’s role as a global trade hub, saying, “In a world of economic and
trade challenges, the UAE has prioritised openness, connectivity, and the free flow of trade, capital,
and people, establishing itself as a vital link between East and West and a global economic centre.”

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 totaled AED646.6 billion, including AED191 billion in digital services, comprising
30 percent of service exports.
• Merchandise exports amounted to AED2.22 trillion in 2024.
• The UAE contributed 41.4 percent 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 percent 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 percent 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 totaled
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 percent to global merchandise exports and 2.2
percent 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

https://www.wam.ae/en/article/bj9uwlt-uae-foreign-trade-reaches-aed523-trillion-2024