The UAE's non-oil foreign trade hit a record AED 1.937 trillion in the first half of 2026. This surge follows the expansion of the global economic partnership network to 38 agreements, boosting market access.
Our retelling · details in the original publication
The UAE has reported a major milestone in its economic diversification journey. Non-oil foreign trade volume reached AED 1.937 trillion during the first half of 2026. This figure highlights the country's success in reducing reliance on hydrocarbon revenues.
The growth is largely driven by the strategic expansion of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPA) network. The country has now secured 38 active deals with major global markets across various continents. These agreements are designed to reduce tariffs, remove trade barriers, and facilitate smoother logistics for local businesses.
For entrepreneurs and investors operating in the Emirates, this development translates to easier access to international supply chains and new customer bases. It signals a robust, growing economy that is actively integrating into the global market. Companies should review these new trade partners to identify opportunities for optimizing their import and export strategies.
The continued focus on non-oil sectors creates a more stable environment for long-term investment and business expansion. The government remains focused on positioning the UAE as a central global trade hub. This record-breaking performance indicates that the policies implemented are yielding tangible financial results. Businesses in sectors like manufacturing, technology, and logistics stand to benefit the most from these reduced trade costs. Details are available in the original publication.
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