UAE’s Non‑Oil Exports Hit Record AED 177.3 Billion in Q1 2025
The UAE has achieved a historic breakthrough in its economic diversification journey. In the first quarter of 2025, non-oil exports surged to AED 177.3 billion (approximately USD 48.3 billion), marking a remarkable 40.7% increase year‑on‑year. This record figure underscores the effectiveness of the UAE’s ambitious strategy to broaden its trade base and maintain resilience amidst evolving global markets.
Why This Export Boom Matters
First and foremost, this growth sends a strong signal: the UAE is successfully reducing its dependence on oil revenues and strengthening its position as a global trade powerhouse.
Key drivers behind this acceleration include booming demand for machinery, electronics, and chemicals — sectors where the UAE has made strategic investments.
Moreover, such momentum helps fuel domestic job creation, attracts foreign investment, and bolsters GDP growth—a sustainable fuel for future economic prosperity.
Official Insights & National Impact
The Minister of State for Foreign Trade celebrated the news via a statement on social media, emphasizing that the achievement reflects the UAE’s dedication to diversification and global competitiveness .
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum echoed the sentiment, revealing that non-oil foreign trade reached AED 835 billion in Q1, with non-oil exports alone making up over 21% of the mix . He also noted robust 18.6% yearly growth in total non-oil trade—well above the global average of 2–3% .
Such data points reinforce the strength of the UAE’s economy, backed by solid GDP expansion (4% in 2024) and a non-oil sector contributing more than 75% of national output .
A Global Trade Hub in Action
The growth isn’t just domestic—it’s international. Q1 exports surged thanks to robust trade ties with:
- India: +31% YoY
- Saudi Arabia: +127% YoY
- Turkey: +8.3% YoY
- China: +9.6% YoY
This signals a deepening economic diversification and rising global demand for UAE‑made goods.
Strategic Outlook: What Comes Next?
Targeting AED 4 Trillion in Non‑Oil Trade by 2031
Sheikh Mohammed declared that this growth tempo puts the UAE on track to meet its AED 4 trillion non‑oil foreign trade goal by 2027—four years ahead of schedule .
Continued Sector Expansion
Exports in advanced sectors—AI, semiconductors, machine tools—are expected to remain strong. The UAE’s strategic investments, including a recent AI partnership with the US, and infrastructure upgrades, will further fuel growth.
Economic Resilience
Even with global uncertainties, tools like the PMI showed non-oil private-sector expansion in January, reflecting strong demand and healthy business activity.
Humanizing the Numbers
Behind the economic data lie real-world impacts:
- A surge of export orders generates more manufacturing jobs
- Local companies gain a platform to scale globally
- Export-driven revenue supports infrastructure, healthcare, and education
For Emirati entrepreneurs and workers, these numbers mean new opportunities to innovate and grow.
Bringing It All Together
- AED 177.3 billion in Q1 non-oil exports, up 40.7%
- Total non-oil foreign trade at AED 835 billion (+18.6%)
- Turn‑around growth with exports over 21% of non‑oil trade volume
- Flagship sectors include machinery, chemicals, electronics, and advanced tech
- Major markets across India, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and China
- Future ambition: AED 4 trillion non-oil trade by 2031—possibly by 2027
This milestone isn’t just a stat—it’s a statement: the UAE is leading a new era of economic diversification and global integration.
What to Watch
- Q2 performance—is growth accelerating again?
- Role of AI & tech exports—will the new US‑UAE AI ties boost high-tech trade?
- Private sector strength—will PMI and private investment keep pace?
Final Word
The UAE’s Q1 non-oil export record is more than numbers—it’s transformation. It’s a testament to visionary leadership, strategic investment, and a powerful belief in a future beyond oil. This milestone doesn’t just reflect success—it charts the course for what the UAE’s economy can become: diverse, innovative, and globally connected.
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