The Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) delivered its strongest performance to date in 2025, recording total non-oil trade of approximately AED491 billion. The achievement marks the Authority’s fifth consecutive year of growth, reflecting sustained expansion in trade activity and the movement of goods across its economic zones.
Total trade value increased by 46% compared to 2024 and has grown fourfold since 2020. For the third year running, imports remained the key contributor to overall growth.
DIEZ also strengthened its role within Dubai’s trade ecosystem, increasing its contribution to the emirate’s non-oil trade to 16% in 2025, as Dubai’s overall external trade exceeded AED3 trillion.
His Highness 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, commended the Authority’s achievement, noting that the results reflect the strength and competitiveness of Dubai’s economic and trade framework, established under the leadership and vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai.
He stated that the strong growth demonstrates Dubai’s ability to anticipate global economic shifts and transform them into opportunities for development. He congratulated the DIEZ team, led by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, highlighting the Authority’s contribution to advancing the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global gateway for trade, investment, and business.
The results also reflect the confidence of international investors, businesses, and trading partners in Dubai’s economic fundamentals, advanced infrastructure, and business-friendly environment, while underscoring the important role economic zones play in facilitating regional and global trade.
Trade volumes rose by 50% during the year to reach 667,800 tonnes, indicating that growth was driven by genuine increases in commercial activity and cargo movement rather than inflationary or pricing effects.
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of DIEZ, said the record performance highlights the resilience of the Authority’s economic model and its ability to generate sustainable growth through value-added activities, integrated logistics capabilities, and technological innovation.
He added that achieving AED491 billion in trade and increasing DIEZ’s share of Dubai’s total trade to 16% further reinforces its strategic role in supporting the emirate’s emergence as a leading global trade hub. He reaffirmed DIEZ’s commitment to developing a more agile and efficient business ecosystem aligned with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and enhancing Dubai’s international competitiveness.
Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of DIEZ, said the 2025 results demonstrate that growth was supported by real expansion in trade flows and cargo volumes rather than temporary market conditions. He noted that the increase in trade volumes, combined with growth in high-value technology sectors, reflects the effectiveness of DIEZ’s strategy to diversify trading partners, strengthen re-export activity, and enhance supply chain capabilities.
He also highlighted the evolving trade landscape, particularly the rapid growth in commercial exchange with Saudi Arabia, which presents new opportunities for stronger regional integration and long-term economic cooperation.
The machinery, electrical equipment, and electronics segment remained the largest contributor to trade activity, accounting for more than 70% of total trade while recording growth of 42%. The precious stones, precious metals, and pearls sector ranked second, posting a 71% increase and contributing around 26% of total trade. Together, these sectors represented approximately 96% of DIEZ’s total trade activity.
China retained its position as DIEZ’s largest trading partner, accounting for 28.7% of total trade. Saudi Arabia ranked second, followed by India, which contributed 8% of total trade.
The record performance highlights DIEZ’s ability to navigate a rapidly evolving global trade environment while maintaining a balanced and sustainable growth trajectory. It further strengthens the Authority’s position as a key driver of Dubai’s non-oil trade sector and broader economic development ambitions.
