30-Oct-2025
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has established itself as a global trade powerhouse, acting as a vital link between the East and the West. With its world-class infrastructure, strategic geographic location, and business-friendly policies, the UAE has cultivated strong trade partnerships across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
These collaborations not only boost the UAE’s own economy but also contribute significantly to global economic growth by facilitating the movement of goods, technology, and investment. From energy exports to re-exports of consumer goods, the UAE’s dynamic trade network strengthens supply chains and stimulates cross-border development. In this blog, we will explore the insights on UAE trade partners, UAE international trade, UAE trade data, and the UAE's biggest trading partners.
According to UAE trade data, the UAE's foreign trade increased 49% from 2021 to a record AED 5.23 trillion in 2024. This led to a trade surplus of 492.3 billion AED.
Thanks to Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPA), the UAE's non-oil trade also saw notable growth, rising 42% from 2023 to US$36.8 billion.
The UAE's foreign trade was valued at Dhs5.23 trillion ($1.424 trillion), according to the UAE importers database. In 2024, it increased by 49% from Dhs3.5 trillion in 2021.
By the end of 2024, the UAE's foreign trade had surpassed US$816.9 billion for the first time. The announcement was made by UAE Prime Minister Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
He says this achievement confirms the country's consistent economic growth, as reported by Sada El-Balad, a TV BRICS partner.
Al Maktoum also noted that the UAE's non-oil trade grew by 14.6%, which is seven times the global average. He went on to say that this demonstrates the effectiveness of the country's economic policies in raising its position in the global economy.
The Prime Minister went on to say that the UAE's Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements contributed to a 42 per cent increase in non-oil trade with partners in 2024, totalling US$36.8 billion.
According to UAE import data, the top import partners for the UAE are often different from its top export destinations. Based on 2023 import data, the main suppliers of goods to the UAE were:
These are the top import partners of the UAE. Now explore the major trading partners of the UAE.
Here is the list of the UAE main trade partners:
|
Rank |
UAE Main Trade Partners |
Export Value (Billion US$) |
UAE Trade Data Share of Total Exports (%) |
|
1 |
Saudi Arabia |
29.46 |
5.20% |
|
2 |
India |
25.02 |
4.40% |
|
3 |
Iraq |
22.7 |
4.00% |
|
4 |
Turkey |
18.72 |
3.30% |
|
5 |
Hong Kong |
14.37 |
2.50% |
|
6 |
United States (USA) |
13.54 |
2.40% |
|
7 |
Switzerland |
11.08 |
1.90% |
|
8 |
Oman |
10.91 |
1.90% |
|
9 |
Kuwait |
9.89 |
1.70% |
|
10 |
China |
9.29 |
1.60% |
Now, analyse the UAE's largest trading partners briefly.
Saudi Arabia stands as the UAE’s top trading partner, driven by strong economic, cultural, and regional ties. Both nations collaborate extensively in energy, petrochemicals, and non-oil sectors, enhancing Gulf economic integration. The UAE also serves as a vital re-export hub for Saudi goods, strengthening mutual trade growth.
According to UAE trade data, India maintains a robust trade relationship with the UAE, fueled by exports of gems, jewellery, textiles, and machinery, alongside imports of crude oil and petroleum products. The signing of the CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement) has further boosted bilateral trade, making India a key player in the UAE’s diversified economy.
As per UAE import export data, Iraq is an important Middle Eastern trading ally for the UAE, primarily engaged in oil, construction materials, and consumer goods exchange. The UAE’s strategic investments in Iraq’s infrastructure and trade logistics highlight a growing partnership aimed at regional economic stability and growth.
Turkey and the UAE share a dynamic and expanding trade relationship, spanning sectors like machinery, electronics, construction materials, and food products. Recent diplomatic and economic cooperation has significantly increased bilateral trade volumes, reflecting mutual interest in diversification beyond oil.
Hong Kong serves as a major trade gateway between the UAE and East Asia, facilitating re-exports in electronics, jewellery, and luxury goods. The UAE’s logistics and re-export strength complements Hong Kong’s financial and trade expertise, making their partnership a cornerstone in Asia–Middle East commerce.
With its robust import-export networks, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is one of the world's most active trading hubs, linking Asia, Africa, and Europe. Both importers and exporters require access to verified partner information and accurate, real-time trade data to thrive in this competitive environment.
This case study examines how a multinational trading company used ExportImportData.in to evaluate trade data from the United Arab Emirates and find trustworthy UAE main trade partners.
Global Trade Connect wanted to enter the UAE market strategically but faced multiple barriers:
Without accurate insights, forming partnerships or forecasting demand became nearly impossible.
After subscribing to ExportImportData.in, the company gained access to detailed UAE trade analytics and verified UAE trade partners data.
The platform provided:
“With ExportImportData.in, we were finally able to understand the UAE’s trade patterns clearly and connect with authentic UAE trade partners, buyers and suppliers within days.”
— Ananya Verma, Director, Global Trade Connect Pvt. Ltd.
So, the UAE’s trade partnerships are more than bilateral agreements they are engines of global progress. By fostering innovation, diversifying trade routes, and supporting sustainable development initiatives, the UAE continues to play a pivotal role in shaping international commerce.
ExportImportData.in empowered Global Trade Connect with actionable UAE trade intelligence from verified partners to detailed shipment analytics. However, if you still have any queries regarding UAE trade data or the UAE trade partners list, connect with our portal today and schedule a free live demo!
Export Import Data solutions is one of the best online import export websites in India that provides trade data services and trading business information. Currently, Export import data is the best import export data provider and market research companies in India.
The biggest trading partners of the UAE are Saudi Arabia, India, Iraq, Turkey, Hong Kong and the United States (USA).
The top three exports of the UAE are crude petroleum, refined petroleum, and gold.
The exports and imports of the UAE are crude petroleum, refined petroleum, and other mineral fuels, as well as gold and precious stones. While its imports are led by pearls, precious stones and metals, electrical and electronic equipment, and machinery.
The top high-demand products in the UAE are precious metals and stones, cosmetics and personal care products, electronics like smartphones and laptops, and textiles and clothing.
The United States is India's largest trading partner, with a bilateral trade volume of over $128 billion in 2022-23.
According to UAE trade data, the top countries the UAE trades with include China, India, Japan and Saudi Arabia.
The UAE’s biggest trading partner is Saudi Arabia, with a trade value of $29.46 billion.
