At a time of rapid transformation in global trade, the ability to adapt and lead has never been more important. The UAE has always been defined by openness, connectivity and bold ambition. Guided by the vision of our leadership and positioned at the crossroads of East and West, we have built one of the most dynamic trading economies in the world. The establishment of the Ministry of Foreign Trade marks a new chapter in this journey, one that reflects our leadership’s recognition of trade as a core strategic priority for the nation’s future.    

Trade touches every aspect of national resilience and growth, from food security and healthcare to access to critical resources, technology leadership and the competitiveness of our business community. It is a strategic instrument for securing long-term prosperity and strengthening our global partnerships.

In 2025, the UAE’s non-oil foreign trade reached approximately AED 3.8 trillion, a growth of 27% compared to 2024. In the final quarter of 2025 alone, non-oil trade reached AED 1.1 trillion for the first time in our history, marking an increase of 33.1%. Our non-oil exports reached AED 813.8 billion, growing over 45.5% year on year and re-exports surpassed AED 830 billion. These results are the outcome of decades of investment and nation-building under our leadership’s vision.

Today, the UAE is home to over 40 specialised free zones, world-class ports and logistics infrastructure, and airports connecting our businesses to more than 400 destinations around the world. Our digital trade infrastructure continues to set new benchmarks for speed, transparency and efficiency. We have also concluded a growing number of Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements with strategic partners worldwide, many of which are already in force. These are facilitating the seamless flow of goods and services between the UAE and some of the world’s most dynamic, opportunity-rich economies in the world.

Our strategy is guided by seven pillars aligned with the ambitions of “We the UAE 2031”. We are building a complete ecosystem to empower exporters, promoting sustainable and inclusive trade, deepening global partnerships and ensuring resilient supply chains. Across both physical and digital infrastructure, we are reinforcing the UAE’s position as a global gateway and a leading destination for business and talent. Underpinning all of this is a commitment to building a Ministry that operates with the intelligence, agility and innovation that the future of trade demands.

The opportunity before us is extraordinary. In the spirit of partnership that has always defined the UAE, I invite governments, businesses and international institutions to work with us in building a more open, resilient and prosperous global trading system.