Abu Dhabi’s non-oil foreign trade surged by 34.7 percent, reaching AED195.4 billion ($53.2 billion) during the first half of 2025 (January to June 2025). This marks an increase from AED145 billion ($39.5 billion) in the same timeframe in 2024, according to statistics released by the General Administration of Abu Dhabi Customs (Abu Dhabi Customs).
This expansion illustrates the resilience and dynamism of Abu Dhabi’s economy, bolstered by the efficiency of its infrastructure and advanced logistics services. These elements have played a crucial role in facilitating trade flows and ensuring the seamless movement of goods through border crossings. In the first six months of 2025, Abu Dhabi’s non-oil exports escalated by 64 percent, reaching AED78.5 billion, up from AED47.9 billion during the first half of 2024. Imports climbed by 15 percent to AED80 billion, compared to AED70 billion, while re-exports experienced a 35 percent increase, surpassing AED36 billion, compared to AED26.6 billion in the first half of 2024.
The rise in non-oil foreign trade underscores the strength of Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification strategies, forward-looking policies, and significant investments across key sectors. Collectively, these efforts support the emirate’s growth as a leading regional and global trade and logistics hub.
Enhancing business readiness
His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), stated: “Abu Dhabi’s steady non-oil foreign trade performance in H1 2025 reaffirms our position as a global economic powerhouse, bridging east and west, north and south. Our consistent growth, amid the challenges in international trade and the global economy, reflects the strength of our long-term economic planning, decisive policy execution, and our commitment to enabling the free and fair exchange of goods, services, and innovations.
“We are doubling down our efforts to position Abu Dhabi among the world’s most business-ready economies by streamlining trade procedures, deploying smart systems, and integrating services to enhance flow and accelerate efficiency, cementing Abu Dhabi’s position as a global trade and investment centre, and a key node on international supply chains.”
His Excellency Rashed Lahej Al Mansoori, director general of Abu Dhabi Customs, remarked: “The growth in non-oil foreign trade 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 facilitate trade. These efforts are driven by the adoption of advanced systems, innovations, and digital technologies.
“Abu Dhabi Customs remains dedicated to delivering best-in-class services and procedures that accelerate customs clearance and promote integration with both local and international partners, thereby supporting sustainable growth, enabling the future economy, and reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position on the global trade map.”
Read more: Abu Dhabi Chamber sees 23.8 percent year-on-year growth in certificates of origin
Economic growth in Abu Dhabi
Further highlighting the economic robustness, Abu Dhabi’s economy expanded by 3.8 percent annually in 2024, reaching a record GDP value of AED1.2 trillion, according to data reported by the Statistics Centre – Abu Dhabi (SCAD). The non-oil sector contributed AED644.3 billion to the GDP in 2024, marking its highest annual contribution at 54.7 percent of total GDP. This significant contribution aligns with the trade growth observed in early 2025 and supports the emirate’s ongoing diversification away from oil dependency.
Regionally, the United Arab Emirates as a whole reported its best-ever non-oil foreign trade figures in the first half of 2025, with total exports reaching $460 billion, exhibiting a growth rate over 25 percent. The UAE’s non-oil trade growth substantially outperformed global averages and contributed notably to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) economic expansion. Imports across the UAE increased 22.5 percent to nearly $100.75 billion within the same period, underscoring broad-based trade momentum. These figures were released by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Trade, led by Minister Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, who emphasized that these results reflect the success of consistent economic policies and strategic international investment agreements aiming until 2028 to consolidate the UAE’s position as a global trade and investment hub.
