According to DIEZ, the authority’s trade value has now quadrupled since 2020, highlighting the rapid expansion of trade activity across Dubai’s integrated economic zones.
DIEZ Expands Its Role in Dubai’s Non-Oil Economy
DIEZ’s contribution to Dubai’s non-oil trade continued to strengthen during the year, with its share rising to 16% of the emirate’s total external trade, which exceeded AED3 trillion in 2025.
Imports remained the largest contributor to growth for the third consecutive year, reflecting continued demand for goods, components, and industrial inputs supporting Dubai’s role as a global re-export and logistics hub.
Trade volumes also increased significantly, rising 50% year-on-year to approximately 667,800 tonnes, indicating stronger cargo flows and higher levels of commercial activity across DIEZ’s economic zones.
Electronics and Precious Metals Drive Growth
The machinery, electrical equipment, and electronics sector remained the dominant contributor to trade activity, accounting for more than 70% of DIEZ’s total trade and recording growth of approximately 42% during the year.
Meanwhile, trade in precious stones, precious metals, and pearls expanded by 71%, representing approximately 26% of total trade activity.
Together, these two sectors accounted for roughly 96% of all trade passing through DIEZ’s ecosystem in 2025.
China Remains the Largest Trading Partner
China maintained its position as DIEZ’s largest trading partner, accounting for approximately 28.7% of total trade activity.
Saudi Arabia ranked second among trading partners, while India secured third place, underlining the importance of regional and Asian markets to Dubai’s trade ecosystem.
Dubai Leadership Highlights Economic Confidence
H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of DIEZ, said the results demonstrate the resilience of Dubai’s economic model and its ability to generate sustainable growth driven by value-added industries, logistics integration, and technological advancement.
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, said the performance reflects the continued confidence businesses, investors, and international trading partners place in Dubai’s infrastructure and economic environment.
He noted that Dubai’s economic zones continue to play an important role in facilitating international trade, attracting investment, and supporting the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.
Why It Matters
DIEZ’s record performance highlights Dubai’s growing importance as a global trade, logistics, and technology hub at a time when international supply chains continue to evolve. The strong growth in electronics, advanced manufacturing components, and precious metals also reflects broader structural shifts in global trade patterns and reinforces Dubai’s ambition to position itself as one of the world’s leading non-oil economies under the D33 agenda.
