UAE Non-Oil Foreign Trade Surges to AED1.7 trillion in H1 2025
This performance builds on the country's upward trade trajectory, with total trade output now double that of H1 2021 and showing historic growth rates of 59.5% vs. 2022 and 37.8% vs. 2023.
Non-oil exports reached AED369.5 billion, growing 44.7% year-on-year, and contributing 21.4% of total non-oil trade — the highest in the nation's history. CEPA agreements played a key role, with 10 out of 28 signed partnerships already in effect, granting access to markets home to nearly 3 billion consumers.
Top export destinations included Switzerland, India, Turkey, and Hong Kong–China, with India receiving AED51.45 billion in exports, a 97.6% increase. Exports to CEPA partners reached AED85.02 billion, reflecting a 62.8% surge.
Re-exports also rose by 14% to AED389 billion, and imports grew 22.5% to AED969.3 billion. Trade with key countries such as Switzerland (+120%), Turkey (+41.4%), and the United States (+29%) saw sharp increases, further positioning the UAE as a global trade gateway.
Sheikh Mohammed praised the nation's progress and reaffirmed the UAE's status as a reliable trading hub and strategic economic partner on the world stage.
News Source: Dubai Media Office
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Business
13 hours ago
- Gulf Business
Record-breaking July: What's driving Dubai Duty Free's growth?
Image credit: Dubai Media Office/Website Dubai Duty Free (DDF), the world's largest single airport retailer, continued its record-setting momentum in July, generating Dhs638.8m ($175m) in sales for the month. Year-to-date sales now stand at Dhs4.734bn ($1.30bn), marking a 5.86 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024. The July performance set a new record for the month, surpassing the previous high of Dhs602.8m ($165m) set in July 2023, and posting a 9.7 per cent increase—equivalent to Dhs56.5m ($15.48m)—over July 2024. The month now ranks as the ninth-best in the company's 41-year history. Read- The solid sales growth comes despite modest growth in passenger traffic through Dubai International Airport (DXB), which reported a 2.3 per cent increase in traffic from January to June. DDF's year-to-date growth of nearly 6 per cent outpaces this trend, highlighting the operation's strong performance in a competitive retail landscape. 'We are delighted to report another strong sales month in what is already proving to be an exceptional year,' said Ramesh Cidambi, Managing Director of Category highlights: Perfume, gold, confectionery shine Perfumes topped the sales chart in July, followed by Liquor, Gold, Tobacco, and Confectionery. Perfume sales increased 10.3 per cent year-over-year, while Gold surged 15.5 per cent. Liquor and Tobacco posted more modest gains of 1.7 per cent and 2.2 per cent, respectively. Confectionery saw a notable 57 per cent spike compared to July last year. Watches and Precious Jewellery were also strong performers, with sales growing by 18.4 per cent and 16.8 per cent, respectively. Luxury brands continue to drive growth Luxury fashion continued to be a major growth engine for DDF in July. Its CA and CB Fashion Boutiques—home to global heavyweights like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Cartier—reported 11.36 per cent year-over-year sales growth. 'Given the recent media reports outlining the difficulties facing global luxury brands, we are happy to buck that trend in our luxury boutiques,' Cidambi said. 'We are seeing continued demand for select brands.' REKLAIM: Pre-loved luxury gains traction Dubai Duty Free's foray into the pre-owned luxury market also continues to gain momentum. REKLAIM, a boutique launched in December 2024 and located in Concourses A, B, and D—including the Emirates First Class Lounge—offers authenticated pre-owned watches and handbags from leading luxury labels. In just over seven months, REKLAIM has generated over Dhs14.3m ($3.9m) in sales. In July alone, the boutique brought in Dhs1.6 ($445,000). Rolex remains the top draw, with 176 watches sold since launch, including 16 in July. 'The demand for pre-loved luxury products is growing,' said Cidambi. 'With REKLAIM, we provide pristine, sought-after items that may be difficult to find in the market. We are looking at expanding the concept throughout our operations in response to this growing demand.' Future outlook Dubai Duty Free's robust performance comes amid intensifying competition in airport retail, as well as from domestic and online channels. Despite these challenges, the operator remains confident in its trajectory, citing continued investment in product innovation, digital engagement, and experiential retail as key pillars of future growth. 'This outstanding achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team and the unwavering support from our Chairman, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum,' Cidambi concluded. 'We have succeeded in enhancing both penetration and spend levels while maintaining business focus, despite a highly competitive and uncertain environment.' With five months of record sales already logged in 2025, Dubai Duty Free is on track to close out one of its strongest years ever, further cementing its status as a global leader in airport retail.
Zawya
15 hours ago
- Zawya
BRIDGE Roadshow lands in Shanghai as UAE spearheads global dialogue to redefine the future of media
Dr. Jamal Mohammed Obaid Al Kaabi: China is a leading model in media innovation and shaping global narratives BRIDGE Roadshow in Shanghai highlights China's role in shaping the new media landscape. Global voices gather in Shanghai to explore innovation, responsibility, and more balanced media perspectives. Sessions explored new horizons for media collaboration, drawing on innovation, smart technologies, and cultural diplomacy to shape a more balanced and impactful global media landscape. SHANGHAI, China: The BRIDGE Roadshow continues its momentum as Shanghai, China, hosts the latest stop in its global journey, bringing together leaders from media, technology, business, finance, and public policy to explore the evolving role of media and information ecosystems. The event serves as a critical milestone in the lead-up to the BRIDGE Summit 2025 - the largest platform uniting media, cultural and creative content creators, leaders, and decision-makers to transform how the world communicates, set to take place in Abu Dhabi, from 8 - 10 December 2025. Following the successful events in New York, London, and Osaka, Shanghai becomes the latest hub for the global conversation on how today's information dynamics are reshaping economies, governance, culture, and public trust. At this pivotal gathering, leading voices from Asia and beyond came together to discuss the region's growing influence on global media and culture, and to examine the role of innovation and responsibility in the fast-changing media landscape. Shanghai: Spotlight on innovation and media leadership Shanghai provided a dynamic backdrop for the BRIDGE Roadshow, aligning with the city's prominent role in the global media and tech landscape. In the presence of His Excellency Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the UAE National Media Office and the UAE Media Council, His Excellency Muhannad Sulaiman Al Naqbi, Consul General of the United Arab Emirates in Shanghai, and His Excellency Khalid Al Shehhi, Deputy Ambassador of the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in China, the event attracted leaders from across media, technology, and business to discuss how innovation, technology, and cultural influence are converging in the global media narrative. A central theme of the Shanghai event focused on the role of innovation in media and how China's platforms and creators are reshaping the global media landscape. A key discussion, moderated by John Darling, Co-Founder & CEO, Creative Capital Ventures, centred on whether Chinese stories could shape the international narrative, considering how China's unique position in global media offers new opportunities for soft power. The panellists, including Joleen Liang, Co-Founder & President of Squirrel AI Learning, Zengxin Li, Deputy General Manager of Caixin Global, and Dennis Potgraven, Chief Strategy Officer of WPP Media China, explored the challenges and opportunities of this dynamic. They discussed how Chinese platforms are influencing perceptions both locally and globally, with an emphasis on how these platforms are redefining what it means to tell a story in today's interconnected world. Another central theme in Shanghai was the potential of gaming as the next frontier of cultural influence. A talk, led by Fangda Wan, Founder & General Partner of Gam3Girl Ventures, discussed how China's gaming industry is rapidly evolving into a nearly $50 billion market, offering new ways to blend technology with culture. Speakers examined how gaming is becoming a powerful force in global media, allowing for new forms of storytelling that merge traditional Chinese narratives with cutting-edge technology. H.E Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Hamed: The world needs a comprehensive intellectual vision that reaffirms the humanistic and civilisational role of media H.E. Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Office and Chairman of the UAE Media Council, emphasised that the Shanghai stop of the BRIDGE Roadshow marks a defining moment, highlighting China's dynamic media and cultural landscape and its growing impact on shaping global narratives. The Chairman stressed that the challenges facing global media today are not limited to tools or platforms, but extend to the overarching vision guiding them. While technologies continue to evolve rapidly, there remains a pressing need for a comprehensive intellectual outlook that reaffirms the media's humanistic and civilisational role as a platform for meaningful content and a key contributor to knowledge-based societies and future economies. H.E. also underlined that the Roadshow's path through New York, London, Osaka, and now Shanghai reflects the UAE's deep-rooted commitment to cultivating more balanced and inclusive global media perspectives. This effort is rooted in the UAE's core belief in building bridges of communication and fostering meaningful cultural exchange. The Chairman concluded by stating that the discussions held during the Shanghai stop will help enrich the agenda of the upcoming Bridge 2025 Summit in Abu Dhabi, which will serve as a platform bringing together media decision-makers and influence alliances, aiming to explore the future of media and strengthen its role as a partner in development, innovation and global understanding. Dr. Jamal Mohammed Obaid Al Kaabi: China is a leading model in media innovation and shaping global narratives For his part, H.E. Dr. Jamal Mohammed Obaid Al Kaabi, Director-General of the UAE National Media Office, shared his perspective on the evolving media ecosystem: 'As the media landscape continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, China's innovative leadership in media and cultural industries is playing a pivotal role in shaping global narratives. Through a unique blend of tradition and cutting-edge technology, Chinese platforms and creators are expanding the boundaries of soft power, offering diverse perspectives that are reshaping how news and stories are consumed around the world. BRIDGE provides an essential platform to bring together leaders and innovators from across the globe, helping to ensure that the stories we tell remain authentic, inclusive, and impactful.' Connecting conversations: Expanding on the global dialogue The BRIDGE Roadshow series is designed to fuel an ongoing discussion about the future of media. Each stop contributes to Connecting Conversations, an evolving series of insights that will inform the programming and partnerships for BRIDGE Summit 2025 in Abu Dhabi. In New York, the focus was on AI's role in ensuring trust in media, while London explored narrative diplomacy and the responsibility of media in cross-border relations. Osaka, which preceded Shanghai, placed a strong emphasis on media innovation and the ethical use of generative AI. Osaka, which marked the third stop on the roadshow after New York and London, explored themes of AI, media innovation, and cultural authenticity, setting the stage for Shanghai to dive deeper into China's role in shaping global narratives. In Shanghai, with its dynamic creative economy, further explored the delicate balance between technological advancement and cultural authenticity in the media space. The roadshow continues to build momentum, offering new perspectives on how media, technology, and culture intersect in a rapidly transforming world. BRIDGE Summit 2025: Where influence meets impact BRIDGE Summit 2025 will serve as a space for content creators, artists, influencers, and agencies — those who know how to engage — to join forces with government entities, investors, and corporations — those who have the power to shape change. By bridging these two worlds, the summit will unlock purpose-driven collaborations that shape public perception and influence behaviour across borders. This is where thought leadership meets business innovation — providing the space and tools for a new generation of global communicators to co-create solutions that transcend entertainment and drive tangible, lasting impact. Registrations for BRIDGE Summit 2025 are now open at
Gulf Business
a day ago
- Gulf Business
Dubai to Fujairah: Sheikh Mohammed rides Etihad Rail ahead of 2026 launch
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, reviewed the latest progress of the Etihad Rail project and embarked on a passenger train journey from Dubai to Fujairah, signaling a historic milestone for the UAE's national railway network. Read- The symbolic journey marks a pivotal phase in the development of the country's integrated rail system, with commercial operations of passenger services expected to begin in 2026. Sheikh Mohammed's visit highlights his personal commitment to overseeing strategic infrastructure initiatives that align with the UAE's long-term national development goals. A vision of integration and growth In remarks during the visit, Sheikh Mohammed described Etihad Rail as one of the UAE's most transformative infrastructure projects, bringing broad economic, social, and developmental benefits. Image credit: Dubai Media Office/Website 'Etihad Rail is a vital economic artery that supports the UAE's journey to the future,' he said. 'It is a key pillar in our vision to build an integrated transport network that strengthens the UAE's position as a leading logistics hub, while facilitating the movement of people and goods.' He emphasised that the project embodies the spirit of the Union and reflects national aspirations for sustainability, connectivity, and improved quality of life across all seven emirates. Sheikh Mohammed also praised the efforts of the Etihad Rail team, calling their work a source of national pride and a key contribution to the country's future-oriented, sustainable transport system. During the visit, he received a detailed briefing from Etihad Rail engineers and officials on project progress and upcoming milestones. Team members expressed their gratitude for the leadership's continued support and described the visit as a historic moment, reinforcing their dedication to delivering a world-class rail network. Connecting the emirates, empowering communities The passenger train connecting Dubai and Fujairah is part of the broader Etihad Rail vision to link 11 cities and regions across the country, from Al Sila in the west to Fujairah on the east coast. Once completed, the network will provide a safe, sustainable, and advanced mode of transportation for citizens, residents, and visitors. Passenger trains will operate at speeds of up to 200 km/h and are expected to accommodate up to 400 passengers per trip. By 2030, the system is projected to carry 36.5 million passengers annually. The first four passenger stations will be located in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah, with further expansion planned across the network. These strategically located hubs aim to reduce travel time, improve accessibility, and boost social and economic ties between communities. The rail system also promises to enhance everyday mobility, empower local economies, and serve as a catalyst for tourism, trade, and sustainable development throughout the country. Leadership endorsement of a national priority Sheikh Mohammed was welcomed at the station by a delegation from Etihad Rail, led by Saeed AlAhbabi, Chief Business Support Officer, along with several senior company executives. Commenting on the visit, Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Etihad Rail, emphasised the leadership's role in advancing this national priority. 'We had the honour of hosting Sheik Mohammed aboard a passenger train between Dubai and Fujairah,' Sheikh Theyab said. 'His visit demonstrates the unwavering commitment of the UAE's leadership to support transformative national projects that propel our nation forward.' He noted that Sheikh Mohammed has been an integral part of the journey from the launch of the 'Projects of the 50' initiative in 2021, to the full inauguration of the national freight rail network in 2023. 'Today, we stand on the cusp of a transformative era in transportation and take immense pride in the leadership's support for a project that strengthens connectivity and enhances the UAE's global competitiveness.' Pioneering sustainable infrastructure Etihad Rail continues to advance its passenger service preparations with high standards of operational readiness and safety. Each train will offer a modern, integrated travel experience built around comfort, reliability, and sustainability. The network also reinforces the UAE's growing reputation as a regional leader in transport innovation. The national railway is central to the UAE's broader environmental goals, supporting the country's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. As both a freight and passenger network, Etihad Rail plays a critical role in reducing carbon emissions, lowering traffic congestion, and promoting green alternatives to road travel. The railway is already fully operational for freight, connecting industrial zones and key logistics hubs across the country. The addition of passenger services will complete a vital link in the UAE's transport ecosystem, driving economic integration and improving quality of life nationwide. As the UAE prepares for commercial operations to begin in 2026, the Etihad Rail project stands as a testament to national unity, forward-looking leadership, and a shared vision for a connected, sustainable future.
