UAE Foreign Trade Reaches AED 5.23 Trillion
- 25.04.2025
- Posted by: Uwe Hohmann
- Category: Dubai
According to the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) latest World Trade Outlook and Statistics report, the UAE’s total foreign trade reached AED 5.23 trillion (USD 1.424 trillion) in 2024, a 49% increase from AED 3.5 trillion in 2021. This substantial increase establishes the UAE as the leading trade center in the Middle East and Africa, placing it among the world’s top 20 trade destinations for goods and services.
Trade Performance Highlights
The UAE achieved a trade surplus of AED 492.3 billion in 2024. Merchandise exports totaled AED 2.22 trillion, while services exports reached AED 646.6 billion. Digital services, representing 30% of the total, made up AED 191 billion of service exports.
In terms of regional significance, the UAE contributed 41.4% of the Middle East’s merchandise exports. On the global stage, the UAE now ranks 11th in merchandise exports and 13th in services exports.
Outperforming Global Trends
While global trade saw moderate growth in 2024, with merchandise trade expanding by 2.9% and services trade by 6.8%, the UAE significantly outpaced these trends. The country’s investments in digital trade infrastructure and enhanced connectivity have helped it manage rising tariffs and economic uncertainty in international markets.
Digital Trade Growth
The UAE’s digital services exports grew from USD 37 billion in 2021 to USD 52 billion in 2024, placing the country 21st globally in this rapidly expanding sector. Total digital trade volume reached AED 345 billion, with digital services imports accounting for AED 154 billion. These figures demonstrate the UAE’s successful transformation into a technology-forward economy that is well-positioned for future trade patterns.
Service Sector Performance
The UAE’s services sector showed strong growth across multiple segments in 2024:
Information services grew by 14%, tourism by 13%, and computer services by 12%. Financial services expanded by 9%, while transport, intellectual property, and insurance services all registered 8% growth. Globally, services accounted for 26.4% of trade, the highest proportion since 2005.
Global Position Advancement
Between 2021 and 2024, the UAE advanced from 17th to 11th globally in merchandise exports and from 18th to 14th in imports. In services, it climbed from 17th to 13th in exports and improved from 19th to 21st in imports.
Despite a slight decrease in the trade balance surplus from AED 573.1 billion in 2023 to AED 492.3 billion in 2024, the UAE continues to strengthen its global trade position. Total exports reached AED 2.86 trillion, while imports stood at AED 2.37 trillion, contributing 2.5% to global merchandise exports and 2.2% to imports.
Trade Licenses in Dubai: Entry Point to Business Opportunities
The UAE’s impressive trade performance demonstrates the value of establishing a commercial presence in Dubai. Obtaining the proper trade license is a crucial first step for businesses looking to participate in this growing marketplace. Dubai offers various license types tailored to different business activities, including commercial, industrial, professional, and e-commerce licenses, each with specific requirements and benefits aligned with the emirate’s economic priorities.
For international companies, managing the licensing process requires understanding local regulations, documentation requirements, and jurisdiction-specific considerations. TME Services specializes in streamlining this process for businesses, providing end-to-end assistance from license selection and application preparation to submission and follow-up with relevant authorities. Our expertise ensures that companies can establish their operations efficiently and in full compliance with UAE regulations, allowing them to begin capitalizing on the country’s exceptional trade opportunities quickly.
Comprehensive UAE Business Solutions
Our comprehensive services are designed to support you every step of your business journey in the UAE:
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