The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI) has reported a significant increase in the issuance of certificates of origin, marking a strong upswing in the emirate’s non-oil exports and affirming the success of its economic diversification strategy.
Between June 2024 and June 2025, the chamber recorded a 10.3 percent year-on-year rise in certificates of origin. This growth solidifies both the expanding base of local exporters and the increasing variety of economic activities taking place in Abu Dhabi.
The surge is seen as a reflection of ADCCI’s continued efforts to boost private sector competitiveness and reinforce Abu Dhabi’s standing as a major regional hub for trade and investment.
The data highlights rising engagement in export operations, driven by Abu Dhabi-based companies and contributing to the emirate’s growing footprint on regional and global trade maps.
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Robust non-oil foreign trade
Complementing this trend, Abu Dhabi’s non-oil foreign trade witnessed a dramatic 34.7 percent increase in the first half of 2025. Non-oil exports soared by 64 percent, re-exports rose 35 percent, and imports climbed 15 percent — a clear indication of the emirate’s economic vitality and deepening global trade ties.
The performance builds on strong momentum from 2024, which saw non-oil trade expand by 9 percent, exports rise by 16 percent, and imports grow by 3 percent.
According to the chamber, certificates of origin were issued across a broad range of sectors, with chemicals, metals, and engineering industries leading the way, proof of the emirate’s robust industrial base and its rising manufacturing capabilities.
His Excellency Shamis Al Dhaheri, second vice chairman and managing director of the Abu Dhabi Chamber, said: “The sustained rise in certificates of origin issued by the chamber is a clear evidence of the emirate’s thriving export sector. This momentum demonstrates the global competitiveness of our companies and their ability to capitalize on new market opportunities, reinforcing Abu Dhabi as a regional hub for trade and manufacturing.
“It is also a testament to the trust that global markets have in the quality of products and services offered by our local businesses. We stay dedicated to support Abu Dhabi and UAE non-oil exports as a dynamic force for economic advancement, providing world-class trade facilitations solutions to enable SMEs in particular to reach international markets efficiently and sustainably.”
Al Dhaheri pointed out that ADCCI continues to facilitate exports and support companies in reaching new markets through advanced services, strategic partnerships, and robust representation of the private sector’s interests.
“Certificates of origin are gateways to broader opportunities and vital tools for elevating the private sector’s contribution to Abu Dhabi’s economic growth,” he added.
Empowering SMEs
The report also notes a sharp increase in export activity among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), supported by the chamber’s tailored initiatives. These include export training programs, business matchmaking events, and collaborations with leading trade and investment bodies.
Certificates of origin, which verify the national origin of goods, continue to play a vital role in enabling access to international markets.
They also provide UAE exports with preferential treatment under various bilateral and multilateral trade agreements, offering a competitive edge globally.
“We regard these indicators as a reflection of business community confidence in the chamber’s services and reiterate our commitment to developing our digital infrastructure and supporting initiatives that serve the aspirations of Abu Dhabi. This will further enable the private sector’s global expansion and economic resilience,” Al Dhaheri explained.
The Abu Dhabi Chamber stated that these achievements contribute significantly to the emirate’s long-term economic vision — positioning non-oil trade as a cornerstone of sustainable growth and supporting the strategic objectives of Abu Dhabi’s broader economic agenda.
