UAE’s non-oil foreign trade jumps 13.1% YoY in H1
The UAE's non-oil trade increased by 13.1% year over year to 1.94 trillion dirhams ($527 billion) during the first six months of 2026, according to newly released figures.
Intelligence analysis by Llama
The UAE's non-oil trade has approached the 2 trillion-dirham mark in a six-month period for the first time, with non-oil exports accounting for 23.4% of the country's total non-oil foreign trade during the first half of 2026.
The UAE's non-oil trade is like a big store where they sell lots of things to other countries. It's growing really fast, which is good for the UAE's economy.
Analysis
A Historic Trade Milestone
The UAE's non-oil trade has reached a historic milestone, with the value of non-oil foreign trade in the first half of 2026 more than double the level recorded during the same period in 2019 and 2021. This rapid growth of the country's economy is a testament to the UAE's strategy of reducing its dependence on oil by expanding exports and strengthening economic ties with global markets.
Non-Oil Exports Drive Trade Growth
Non-oil exports were the main driver of trade growth during the first half of the year, reaching 452.8 billion dirhams, up 23.9% from the same period in 2025 and 77.3% from the first half of 2024. This reflects the country's continued shift toward a more production-based, export-focused and value-added economy.
Strengthening Economic Ties
The country's growing trade network has been supported by comprehensive economic partnership agreements, including one signed with Japan in March. These agreements have expanded market access for Emirati businesses and strengthened the UAE's position as a regional trade hub.
Key points
- The UAE's non-oil trade increased by 13.1% year over year to 1.94 trillion dirhams ($527 billion) during the first six months of 2026.
- Non-oil exports accounted for 23.4% of the country's total non-oil foreign trade during the first half of 2026.
- The UAE's non-oil trade has approached the 2 trillion-dirham mark in a six-month period for the first time.
- The country's growing trade network has been supported by comprehensive economic partnership agreements, including one signed with Japan in March.
If this trend continues, the UAE's non-oil trade could reach even higher levels, supporting the country's economic growth and reducing its dependence on oil.
However, there are risks associated with over-reliance on exports, such as fluctuations in global demand and trade tensions, which could impact the UAE's non-oil trade growth.
