Page 391 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - APRIL 2025 (Part 1)

4/23/25, 3:30 PM UAE foreign trade reaches AED5.23 trillion in 2024, up from AED3.5 trillion in 2021 – UAE Business and Travel Insights – TotalUAE…

UAE foreign trade reaches AED5.23 trillion in

2024, up from AED3.5 trillion in 2021

BY CONTENT ADMIN

DUBAI, 20th April, 2025 (WAM) — 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.

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