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Sheikh Mohammed announces historic UAE non-oil foreign trade record in first half of 2026
Sheikh Mohammed said the figures reflect more than trade growth, highlighting the UAE economy’s strength and successful development strategies and global confidence
- PUBLISHED: Sun 19 Jul 2026, 11:49 AM
Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said the UAE’s non-oil foreign trade achieved a historic milestone in the first half of 2026, nearing the Dh2 trillion mark in just six months after recording Dh1.937 trillion, marking a 13.1 per cent increase compared with the same period last year.
He added that the UAE’s non-oil exports also reached a new record of Dh452.8 billion, marking a 23.4 per cent increase from the same time last year, reflecting continued growth in the country’s trade performance and economic expansion.
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In terms of trading partners, China remained the UAE’s largest non-oil partner with Dh180.7 billion in trade, followed by Switzerland at AED138.4 billion and India at AED107.5 billion, while Egypt, Oman and Hong Kong also posted strong growth, according to the UAE Government Media Office.
Gold remained the leading commodity in UAE non-oil trade, with a value of AED706.2 billion in H1 2026 for a year-on-year growth of 48.8%. It was followed by the telecoms sector at AED189.7 billion, then gold jewellery, automobiles and diamonds.
Sheikh Mohammed highlighted that the figures represent more than trade data, saying they reflect the strength of the UAE economy, the effectiveness of its development strategies and the world’s growing confidence in the country.
Anwar Gargash, Adviser to the UAE President, said that despite regional challenges and difficult circumstances, the UAE continues to pursue its development and economic progress with confidence and determination, guided by its future vision and the strength of the Emirati model.
