Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has unveiled the ‘UAE Global Center of Trade’, a new strategy developed by the Ministry of Foreign Trade to strengthen the country’s position as one of the world’s key hubs for international commerce.
The initiative aims to reinforce the UAE’s role as a global gateway for goods and services, accelerate national foreign-trade goals, and open new markets for Emirati exports. Sheikh Mohammed said, “We launched an international economic program to reinforce the UAE’s global standing in foreign trade.”
He further noted, “The program aims to attract the world’s top 1,000 international trading companies and introduce a digital gateway that connects thousands of UAE exporters to global markets.”
He added that the strategy will unlock more opportunities for Emirati products, identify new export destinations, and cement the country’s position as a central node along global trade routes.
The UAE Global Center of Trade brings together a series of forward-looking initiatives intended to expand non-oil exports, draw international trading and manufacturing companies to the Emirates, empower exporters with advanced tools and technologies, and identify new global opportunities.
The program is being launched through collaboration with multiple ministries, government departments, chambers of commerce, and specialized institutions, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to enhancing its economic influence and global connectivity.
AI-driven trade leadership
Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, said the initiative reflects the leadership’s conviction that trade remains a powerful driver of growth, diversification, and innovation.
He stressed that deeper collaboration with major global markets is essential to unlock productivity and competitiveness.
“The initiatives under the UAE Global Center of Trade program will ensure we capture an ever-increasing share of international commerce, whether that’s through offering new horizons for UAE exporters or providing a raft of benefits for companies seeking a platform for international expansion,” he said.
He added that deploying tools to simplify exports, using AI to identify high-potential sectors and new destinations, promoting the strengths of the UAE’s private sector, and educating businesses on the benefits of the country’s trade agreements will allow the UAE to maximize its position at the crossroads of global markets.
“This is a moment for the UAE to restate the case for global trade and to demonstrate its ability to power the next stage of prosperity,” he noted.
Record performance in non-oil trade
The launch comes as the UAE posts historic growth across its non-oil trade indicators. In the first nine months of 2025, non-oil trade reached AED 2.67 trillion, up 24.6% year-on-year.
Non-oil exports surged to AED 579.4 billion, an annual rise of more than 42.6%. Re-exports reached AED 597.7 billion, 15% higher than the same period in 2024, while imports increased to AED 1.5 trillion, up 22.8%.
The Ministry of Foreign Trade will lead and execute the UAE Global Center of Trade in partnership with a wide network of ministries, federal and local entities, national institutions, and private-sector partners. The program consists of eight major initiatives.
Advanced analytics and global market access
The first initiative, “Attracting International Trading Companies”, focuses on drawing global export and re-export firms to the UAE by identifying untapped opportunities within the country’s trade network, especially with nations covered by Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements.
The initiative will use advanced analytics to map high-demand products, emerging sectors in CEPA partner markets, and top global exporters, highlighting the advantages of operating from the UAE.
The target is to attract 1,000 new international trading companies. Strategic partners include the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Investment, the UAE Chambers of Commerce and Industry, local economic departments, Abu Dhabi Ports Group, and DP World.
The second initiative, the ‘UAE Export Portal,’ will introduce an integrated digital platform that consolidates analysis, knowledge, and opportunities to help UAE exporters reach global markets more efficiently.
The portal will connect exporters with trusted buyers, guide them through customs and trade procedures, and use AI tools to identify high-growth markets. The initiative aims to give more than 10,000 companies fast access to overseas opportunities.
Together, these initiatives underline the UAE’s ambition to reinforce its global trade leadership and accelerate the next phase of economic growth.
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