Arab News
Arab news, Tue, Aug 05, 2025 | Safar 11, 1447
Abu Dhabi’s non-oil foreign trade rises 34.7% to $53.2bn in H1
Emirates:
Abu Dhabi’s non-oil foreign trade saw an annual rise of 34.7 percent during the
first half of 2025 to reach 195.4 billion dirhams ($53.2 billion).
The increase from 145 billion dirhams over the
same period in 2024 reflects the strength and resilience of Abu Dhabi’s economy,
driven by the efficiency of its infrastructure, advanced logistics services, and
strategic investments across key sectors, according to a statement from Abu
Dhabi Media Office.
These factors have helped facilitate trade flows
and ensure the smooth movement of goods through border crossings.
This comes as the UAE aims to hit a 4 trillion
dirhams target for non‑oil foreign trade by 2031, but officials say it is now
poised to reach that milestone within two years, four years ahead of schedule.
Non-oil exports surged 64 percent to 78.5 billion
dirhams from 47.9 billion dirhams in the first half of 2025, while imports rose
15 percent to 80 billion dirhams compared to 70 billion dirhams in the first
half of 2024, according to figures released by the General Administration of Abu
Dhabi Customs.
Re-exports recorded a 35 percent growth, reaching
over 36 billion dirhams, up from 26.6 billion dirhams in the same period last
year.
“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,” Ahmed
Jasim Al-Zaabi, chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development,
said in the media office report.
He added: “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 center, and a key node on international supply
chains.”
Rashed Lahej Al-Mansoori, director general
of Abu Dhabi Customs, explained how the growth in non-oil foreign trade reflects
the success of the emirate’s economic strategies.
He added: “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.”