UAE Non-Oil Exports Soar 130% to $150 Billion in 2025

The UAE’s non-oil exports excluding re-exports have surged by 130% from $65 billion in 2019 to $150 billion in 2024, showcasing a historic expansion driven by diversified sectors. This growth reflects the UAE’s strategic economic policies focusing on non-oil trade, underlined by government initiatives and strong international trade relations.

UAE’s Non-Oil Export Growth Overview

The UAE has witnessed an unprecedented rise in its non-oil exports, excluding re-exports, which increased by 130%, jumping from $65 billion in 2019 to $150 billion in 2024. This significant expansion highlights the country’s successful economic diversification efforts beyond oil dependency.

As reported by Fatima Al Mazrouei of Gulf Today, the increase marks an important milestone in the UAE’s strategy to strengthen its role as a global trade hub through robust non-oil sectors. This surge is a part of a larger trend, where the UAE’s non-oil foreign trade recorded around AED 1.728 trillion ($470.3 billion) during the first half of 2025 alone, demonstrating continual growth at a rate of 24% year-on-year compared to the first half of 2024, as noted by the UAE Media Office.​

Government Initiatives and Strategic Economic Planning

The UAE government has been actively facilitating this growth through the approval of 24 national initiatives aimed at doubling the country’s re-export sector over the next seven years. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, stated the focus on developing specialised fields, launching value-added re-export programmes, and creating the International Trade Links Center to support foreign investment growth in the service sector.​

He emphasised,

“We will double the country’s re-export by developing specialised areas in cooperation with local governments,”

which directly supports the overall increase in non-oil exports. These initiatives coincide with the government’s broader economic reforms to position the UAE as a global talent magnet and a diversified economic powerhouse.​

Non-Oil Foreign Trade Milestones

During the first half of 2025, the UAE’s non-oil exports reached AED 369.5 billion ($100.5 billion approximately), growing annually by over 44.7%, according to statements from the UAE Media Office. This growth rate is the highest in the nation’s history and nearly doubles the figures recorded in 2022. When compared to the pre-pandemic period in 2019, the increase is even more remarkable with a 210.3% rise in non-oil exports.​

The UAE's trade output in non-oil sectors is also reported to be more than double that of the first half of 2021, signalling a sustained and accelerated recovery and growth trajectory amid global economic challenges.​

Key Export Markets and Products

According to data covered by Arab News, Saudi Arabia remains a significant trade partner, with the UAE being the leading destination for Saudi non-oil exports in the first quarter of 2025. Saudi shipments to the UAE rose by 33.91% year-on-year, valued at approximately $5.68 billion. The primary goods exported included machinery, mechanical appliances, transport equipment, and chemical products, underscoring the diversified trade commodities exchanged between the two nations.​

Other major markets for UAE re-exports and non-oil exports include India, China, Oman, Kuwait, the United States, Hong Kong, and Belgium. Products such as telephones, diamonds, airplane components, petroleum liquids, headphones, and vehicle parts have contributed prominently to the export list.​

Role of Re-Exports in Trade Growth

While non-oil exports excluding re-exports expanded significantly, re-exports themselves also posted notable growth but at a slower pace. As Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid noted, re-exports experienced a 6% annual increase, reaching AED 189.1 billion. The government’s goal to double the re-export sector within the next seven years demonstrates a comprehensive approach to scaling both direct exports and re-export facilitation.​

Future Outlook and Economic Vision

The UAE’s non-oil foreign trade is on a trajectory to reach even greater heights. As stated by Mohammed bin Rashid in mid-2025, the UAE’s non-oil foreign trade is expected to grow to AED 4 trillion by 2031, four years ahead of previous schedules. This is an integral part of the country’s Vision 2031 economic diversification goals. The government’s focus on innovation, trade agreements, and solid infrastructure means continued expansion of the UAE’s trade sectors is anticipated.​

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan emphasised the importance of science and knowledge in sustaining development, highlighting efforts to improve healthcare and quality of life amid economic growth.​

Statistical Highlights of Recent Years

The UAE’s non-oil export sector excluding re-exports has demonstrated historic growth, reflecting the country’s intensive efforts toward economic diversification and global trade prominence. Supported by government-led initiatives and strategic trade agreements, this trajectory is expected to continue, positioning the UAE as a major global trade centre beyond oil reliance. The combined acceleration of non-oil exports and re-export activities provides a strong foundation for sustainable economic development through 2031 and beyond.