In brief
The United Arab Emirates recorded double‑digit growth in foreign trade during the first nine months of 2026, according to Under‑Secretary of Foreign Trade Fahad Al Gergawi. The report highlights expansion of port capacity along the eastern coast, use of Etihad Rail, and the signing of new Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements as key drivers. Analysts note that trading volume is expected to exceed US$1 trillion this calendar year.
The United Arab Emirates has maintained a double‑digit growth rate in foreign trade for the first nine months of 2026, a milestone reaffirmed by Under‑Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Trade Fahad Al Gergawi during a session titled “Corridors of Capital: How the UAE Can Become the Financing Hub for Its Trade Partners” at the Dubai FinTech Summit.
Al Gergawi cited the UAE’s position as the largest trading nation in the Arab world and a top‑ten global country in trade facilitation. He noted that last year the nation’s total foreign trade reached approximately US$1 trillion, a figure he expects to climb further in 2026.
The reported double‑digit growth reflects a complex interplay of supply‑chain resilience and strategic infrastructure investment. By expanding capacity at port hubs on the eastern coast—particularly in Fujairah and Khorfakkan—the UAE is reducing bottlenecks that had historically limited throughput during periods of global market volatility. The country’s investment in the Etihad Rail network further ensures continuity of cargo flows from inland industrial zones to coastal terminals, improving logistics efficiency and decreasing transit times for high‑value goods.
Trade Facilitation and Sectoral Scope
Al Gergawi highlighted that the UAE’s foreign trade is diversified beyond hydrocarbons, encompassing consumer goods, technology, and services. This diversification is supported by the improved performance of the Maritime and Aviation sectors, where UAE‑owned and operated entities manage more than 140 ports and 30 airports worldwide. The breadth of the UAE’s logistical footprint allows it to manage complex multi‑modal freight movements, providing a crucial link between producers, regional markets, and global supply chains.
The ministry’s strategy prioritises readiness for varying economic conditions, as Al Gergawi argued that resilience—not just opportunistic growth—is the hallmark of the UAE’s trade policy. He stressed that the nation’s focus remains on maintaining robust trade corridors and financial infrastructure irrespective of external shocks.
Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs)
CEPAs are presented as a cornerstone of the UAE’s export expansion plan. Al Gergawi explained that the country began this journey with a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with India, which took only 88 days to conclude. Subsequently, the UAE has sought to broaden its list of partner nations, leveraging CEPAs to lower tariff barriers, harmonise customs procedures, and open new markets for both exporters and investors.
By combining tariff reductions with rules of origin alignment, CEPAs help UAE businesses meet foreign demand while protecting domestic industries. The agreements also allow firms to access new financing mechanisms, tying into Al Gergawi’s broader objective of positioning the UAE as a global logistics and financial hub.
Infrastructure Driving Growth
Two key infrastructural projects underpin the current trade momentum. First, the expansion of Fujairah Port—renamed the “Gateway to the Belt and Road”—has increased berth capacity by 20 percent, allowing the handling of larger container vessels. Second, the Khorfakkan Port upgrade includes the installation of intelligent monitoring systems that use Internet‑of‑Things devices to track cargo and manage congestion in real time.
Additionally, the Etihad Rail network’s freight line, connecting the UAE’s industrial emirates with the western coastal ports, achieves an average speed increase of 15 km/h over the last round of upgrades. This infrastructure not only reduces transportation costs but also enhances the resilience of supply chains against disruptions such as port closures or shipping delays.
Economic Impact and Global Positioning
Within the half‑decade since the UAE’s accession to the World Trade Organization, trade growth has averaged roughly 8.5 percent annually, with the 2026 figure placing the country among the world’s top rising economies in trade volume. Analysts associate this performance partly with the country’s strategic use of technology—big data analytics in port operations and blockchain-based customs declarations—to streamline procedures and minimize settlement times.
The United Arab Emirates is also leveraging its status as a financial center to attract capital flows that support trade expansion. Al Gergawi’s comments underline the linkage between trade facilitation and financial services, suggesting that the presence of leading international banks and investment funds within the UAE further undergirds the country’s trading ecosystem.
Looking Ahead
Al Gergawi projected continued growth in the remainder of 2026, attributing it to several factors: sustained demand from Asian and European markets, further CEPAs on the horizon, and the planned completion of the Dubai–Sharjah freight rail link. He also noted that governmental policy will remain flexible, allowing swift adjustment to external shifts such as commodity price swings or geopolitical developments.
At the end of the sessions, industry observers praised the UAE’s proactive approach to bolstering trade capacity and the integration of technology into logistics. The emphasis on resilient corridors and diversified markets positions the UAE to navigate ongoing global economic uncertainty while sustaining its trajectory of remarkable export growth.
