Page 386 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - APRIL 2025 (Part 1)

UAE foreign trade reaches AED5.23 trillion in 2024, up

from AED3.5 trillion in 2021

Published Sunday, April 20, 2025
By E247

The United Arab Emirates recorded total foreign trade of AED5.23 trillion (US$1.424 trillion) in 2024,
a 49 percent increase from AED3.5 trillion (US$949 billion) in 2021, according to the World Trade
Organisation’s “World Trade Outlook and Statistics” report.

This robust growth reflects the UAE’s strategic economic vision, reinforcing its position as the
leading trade hub in the Middle East and Africa since 2014 and among the top 20 global trade
centres for goods and services.

In a global trade environment marked by 2.9 percent growth in merchandise trade and 6.8 percent
in services trade in 2024, the UAE’s performance underscores its resilience amid rising tariffs and
uncertainties.

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

https://www.emirates247.com/business/economy-finance/uae-foreign-trade-reaches-aed5-23-
trillion-in-2024-up-from-aed3-5-trillion-in-2021-2025-04-20-1.738766