UAE Continues To Lead Global Trade With Strong Competitiveness And Growth In Digital Services

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is maintaining its strong position in global trade, as highlighted by Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade. The UAE's leadership has been instrumental in sustaining its competitiveness on the world stage. This was confirmed by the World Trade Organisation's (WTO) recent report titled "World Trade Outlook and Statistics".

Dr. Al Zeyoudi noted that since 2014, the UAE has consistently ranked among the top global trade hubs. It holds a leading position in the Middle East and Africa for trade in goods and services. Notably, services account for 20% of the UAE's total trade with the world.

The minister attributed this growth to several factors, including an open economy, investor-friendly policies, and flexible regulations. The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPA) programme also plays a crucial role in establishing a global trade network connecting the UAE with international markets.

Preliminary estimates suggest that the UAE’s foreign trade saw a 25% increase in January 2025. This growth is supported by semi-government entities and private sector contributions, which are vital to enhancing the country's global trade profile.

In 2024, the UAE emerged as one of the top global exporters of digital services. This reflects ongoing advancements in this essential sector. Key service segments such as finance, hospitality, information, and transport have shown significant growth rates between 9% and 14%.

The WTO report forecasts a slight contraction of 0.2% in global goods trade in 2025 due to current tariff conditions. However, it anticipates a modest recovery with a 2.5% increase expected in 2026.

Global Trade Outlook

While goods trade faces challenges, global services trade remains resilient as it is not directly affected by tariffs. The UAE continues to strengthen its position through strategic economic measures and partnerships.

The UAE's achievements underscore its strategic approach to fostering economic growth and maintaining its status as a key player on the global trade map.

With inputs from WAM