Abu Dhabi’s non-oil trade sector gave a standout performance in the first half of 2025, inspired by a strong growth in exports, stable growth and re-export increase. 34.7% year-on-year growth reflects the strong economic basic things of Emirates, its strategic change for diversification, and the ongoing changes in a global trade and logistics hub.
Business figures reflect strong economic pace
In the period from January to June 2025, Abu Dhabi’s non-oil foreign trade reached AED195.4 billion ($ 53.2 billion), a significant increase in 2024 during the same time limit from AED145 billion ($ 39.4 billion) during the same time limit. This 34.7% increase was supported in all major trade categories:
- The first half of 2024 reached AED78.5 billion ($ 21.3 billion) as compared to AED47.9 billion ($ 13 billion), increased by 64%.
- Up to 15% of the AED70 billion ($ 19 billion), an Eed80 billion ($ 21.8 billion) climbed up to 15%.
- The re-exports increased by 35%, crossing AED36 billion ($ 9.8 billion) compared to AED26.6 billion ($ 7.2 billion) during the same period last year.
A strong performance came amidst ongoing efforts to strengthen non-oil regions, with trade became a main pillar of Abu Dhabi’s comprehensive economic expansion strategy.
Strategic policies and infrastructure as development catalyst
Many structural and policy factors have reduced the development of non-oil trade of Abu Dhabi. Emirates continues to invest in infrastructure, logistics and digital innovation to increase trade capabilities. Ahmed Jasim Al Zabi, president of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (Joda), credited the strategic economic plan and development for tight execution. H1- Abu Dhabi’s non-table’s foreign trade stable performance in 2025 confirmed our status as a global economic power plant, bridging east and west, north and south. Our frequent growth, among the international trade and challenges in the global economy, reflects our long -term economic plan, decisive policy execution, and our commitment, and reflects our commitment. Al Zabi said that Emirates is giving priority to Abu Dhabi to streamline business processes, smart systems integration and service optimization as one of the most business-economies in the world. This progress is also strengthening its role as a major node in global supply chains. Lahaj al Mansuri, Director General of Abu Dhabi Customs, emphasized the role of innovation and partnership in making this development facilitated. “Non-oil foreign trade growth during the first half of 2025 reflects the success of Abu Dhabi’s economic strategies, and highlights the effectiveness of efforts made by Abu Dhabi customs in collaboration with strategic partners to convenience the business. These efforts are inspired by adopting advanced systems, innovations and digital technologies.“He noted.He emphasized continuous commitment to develop an active and tight custom ecosystem that supports global supply chains and increases the competing of Emirates as a regional and international center for trade and business.Al Mansori re-confirmed that Abu Dhabi customs are committed to providing top-level services and streamlined procedures that speed up customs procedures and promote deep cooperation with domestic and international partners, efforts that contribute to sustainable growth, support the developed economy, and make the presence of in -strained economy solid.
Economic diversification and long -term vision
Increase in non-oil trade is part of a comprehensive change in Abu Dhabi’s economy. In 2024, the GDP of Emirates reached a historic AED1.2 trillion ($ 326.4 billion), contributing to AED644.3 billion ($ 175.2 billion) -A in non -oil sector. It represents 54.7% of the total GDP, marking the highest non-oil stock ever. Abu Dhabi’s strategy includes targeted investment in manufacturing, tourism, aviation and technology to reduce dependence on hydrocarbons:
- In 2022, it launched an industrial strategy in six programs with AED10 billion ($ 2.72 billion) in six programs, aiming more than AED172 billion ($ 46.8 billion) by 2031 to more than manufacturing output.
- The tourism sector is estimated to contribute 12% to GDP by 2030, 5% in 2023.
- Areas such as Artificial Intelligence and Aviation have also seen fresh capital injections as part of Abu Dhabi’s long -term economic blueprint.
This economic vision is also being felt through international partnership. The UAE has signed 28 comprehensive economic participation agreements (CEPAS) to broaden trade access. According to a report by National, ten of them are signed with countries including India, Indonesia, Israel and Türkiye, currently operational. Additional agreements implementation with nations such as Australia, South Korea, Vietnam, Kenya and others are pending. The conversation with the Philippines, Morocco and Armenia has ended, which expanded Abu Dhabi’s global markets.
Logistics, location and competitive benefits
Abu Dhabi’s strategic location, world-class infrastructure, and investor-friendly improvements continue as a global logistics hub. The development of modern airports, ports and transport networks has greatly improved the movement of goods and efficiency of supply chains. 2025 The effectiveness of these systems has been important in enabling trade development. Combining with advanced customs withdrawal services, digital integration and the use of smart technologies, border trading is accelerating. Officials believe that this speed is not short -lived. Abu Dhabi Customs reiterated its commitment to the “Best-in-Class” processes, which not only facilitates trade, but also promotes permanent growth. It is aligned with the national objective of the United Arab Emirates, which depends less on oil to build an economy ready for the future.
