UAE businesses are demonstrating some of the strongest confidence levels worldwide in navigating trade and tariff challenges, according to HSBC’s latest Global Trade Pulse Survey, which assessed responses from more than 6,750 business leaders across 17 markets.
The findings indicate that, while many businesses globally face uncertainty and weaker revenue visibility, firms in the UAE continue to outperform their peers on both sentiment and financial outcomes.
Revenue resilience and clarity on trade policy
The survey shows that 68% of UAE businesses reported revenue gains over the past six months as a result of shifts in tariffs and trade policies, well above the global average of 56%. Only 15% of UAE respondents saw negative revenue effects, compared with 26% globally, highlighting the strength and adaptability of the local corporate sector.
UAE executives also say they have gained greater clarity on how trade policy developments affect their operations. 70% reported improved understanding, slightly higher than the global figure of 66%.
Strengthening ties with South Asia
HSBC notes that UAE firms are increasingly building production capacity and trade partnerships across South Asia to secure supply chains and open new growth channels. This trend reflects the deepening economic relationship between the Middle East and the region.
Nearly 89% of UAE businesses expect their international trade volumes to rise over the next two years, with South Asia identified as a key focus. Almost one-third of surveyed firms have increased production in India, far above the global average of 18%.
Production expansion into Sri Lanka is also more common among UAE companies, with 11% reporting increased activity there compared with 5% globally.
Deyana Cherneva, Head of Global Trade Solutions for the Middle East, North Africa, and Türkiye at HSBC Bank Middle East, said UAE companies are proactively reshaping their strategies to take advantage of the changing trade environment.
“UAE businesses are not only adapting to the current trade environment but are seizing the opportunity to reshape their businesses to capture growth,” she said. “Increasingly, UAE business leaders are choosing to deepen partnerships with producers in South Asia, reflecting the deepening economic ties between Asia and the Middle East.”
A confident stance amid global uncertainty
While the survey shows a wide range of attitudes toward tariffs and trade among global respondents, UAE businesses stand out for their confidence, adaptability, and forward-looking approach. Strong regional links, strategic location, and an optimistic outlook on future trade opportunities underpin the positive sentiment.
As global supply chains continue to evolve, the survey suggests that UAE firms are well-positioned to manage ongoing uncertainty and leverage emerging opportunities across key international markets.
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