UAE opens new global markets as non-oil trade hits record high

UAE non-oil trade reached AED1.937 trillion in the first half of 2026 as new trade agreements opened more markets for businesses and exports.

ABU DHABI: The UAE is opening more doors for its businesses around the world, with new trade agreements helping local companies sell products and services in markets across Asia, Africa, Europe and beyond.

UAE non-oil trade reached a record AED1.937 trillion during the first six months of 2026, while non-oil exports climbed to around AED452.8 billion.

A major part of this growth is the UAE’s Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement programme, better known as CEPA.

Since the programme began in September 2021, the UAE has signed 38 CEPAs with countries around the world. These agreements are designed to make trade easier by reducing customs duties, removing barriers and giving UAE businesses better access to international markets.

Trade with countries where CEPAs are already in force reached around AED304.3 billion in the first half of 2026. UAE exports to these markets were worth approximately AED66.1 billion.

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India remains one of the biggest examples of how these agreements can support business. Non-oil trade between the UAE and India reached AED107.5 billion during the first half of the year.

But the UAE is also looking well beyond its traditional trading partners.

In Africa, agreements with countries including Kenya, Gabon and the Republic of the Congo are creating opportunities in areas such as agriculture, logistics, renewable energy and investment.

In Europe, the UAE-Ukraine CEPA came into force on July 1, 2026, while an agreement with Serbia is also active, helping reduce or remove tariffs across many products.

The UAE’s trade network continues to grow. In July, the UAE and Canada completed negotiations for a CEPA in the shortest timeframe recorded under the programme. Trade between the two countries reached around US$4.2 billion in 2025, up 21 per cent from the previous year.

The latest UAE non-oil trade figures follow another strong year. In 2025, non-oil foreign trade reached AED3.8 trillion, growing by more than 26 per cent, while non-oil exports increased by more than 45 per cent.

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For UAE companies, these agreements can mean something very practical: more places to sell their products, lower costs when entering certain markets and better opportunities to build international partnerships.

The country’s ports, airports, logistics networks and free zones also give businesses a base connecting major markets across Asia, Africa and Europe.

As more CEPAs come into force, UAE non-oil trade is expected to become increasingly important to the country’s wider economic diversification plans.

News Impact

More trade agreements could make it easier and cheaper for UAE businesses to enter new international markets. This can support local companies, boost exports and bring more investment into the country.