
Abu Dhabi records 9% growth in non-oil foreign trade
Non-oil exports surged by 16 per cent to AED 107.8 billion, while re-exports grew by 11 per cent to over AED 58 billion, and imports saw a 3 per cent rise to AED 140.2 billion.
This growth is attributed to Abu Dhabi's business-friendly environment, proactive policies and initiatives aimed at reducing costs and streamlining trade processes.
Customs declarations rose by 3 per cent, with digital platform transactions up by 17 per cent, and automated transactions increasing by 31 per cent.
Rashed Lahej Al Mansoori, Director General of Abu Dhabi Customs, emphasised the emirate's continued growth as an economic powerhouse, committed to enhancing trade and supporting the UAE's development.
Abdulla Gharib Al Qemzi, Director General of the Statistics Centre – Abu Dhabi, said that these figures reflect the success of policies that drive sustainable growth and reinforce Abu Dhabi's position as a major trade hub.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Yemen Online
23-07-2025
- Yemen Online
FAB's Record H1 2025 Earnings: A Strategic Case for Undervalued Growth in the UAE Banking Sector
First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) has shattered expectations with its record-breaking first-half 2025 financial performance, posting a net profit of AED 10.63 billion—a 26% year-on-year increase—and a Return on Tangible Equity (RoTE) of 20.5%. These figures not only outpace industry benchmarks but also underscore FAB's emergence as a leader in AI-driven innovation and diversified revenue generation. For investors, this represents a compelling opportunity to capitalize on a bank that is redefining the UAE banking sector's growth trajectory while trading at a discount to its intrinsic value. FAB's strategic embrace of artificial intelligence (AI) has positioned it as a pioneer in digital banking. The deployment of a foundational Agentic AI platform, coupled with the rollout of Microsoft MSFT -0.28% 365 Copilot for all employees, has streamlined operations and enhanced decision-making. Innovations such as the Board AI Observer—a tool that analyzes boardroom discussions to optimize governance—and Voice Concierge, which personalizes customer service, have significantly improved operational efficiency. These advancements have reduced the cost-to-income ratio to 22.3% in Q1 2025 (down from 24% a year earlier), while boosting customer satisfaction and retention. The integration of AI into credit analytics and onboarding processes has further strengthened FAB's risk management framework. By automating underwriting and fraud detection, the bank has reduced loan impairments and accelerated customer acquisition. This technological edge is not just a cost-saving measure—it's a revenue driver. For instance, FAB's AI-powered investment banking division secured a landmark deal to finance one of the region's largest data center projects, contributing to a 17% year-on-year revenue increase in its global markets segment. FAB's revenue model is increasingly resilient, with non-interest income surging 41% to AED 8.35 billion in H1 2025. This growth was fueled by a 25% rise in fees and commissions and a 30% increase in foreign exchange and investment income. The bank's non-interest income now accounts for 46% of total revenue—a stark contrast to the UAE banking sector's average of 38%. This diversification insulates FAB from interest rate fluctuations and positions it to thrive in a low-rate environment. Geographic diversification further amplifies this resilience. FAB's international operations, spanning 16 countries, contributed 30% year-on-year revenue growth in H1 2024. Its recent membership in the Cross-Border Interbank Payment System (CIPS) as the first bank FRBA -- in the MENA region has unlocked new cross-border transaction opportunities, particularly in China and Asia. Domestically, FAB's expansion into wealth management, personal banking, and corporate finance has driven 12% revenue growth in these segments.


Yemen Online
21-04-2025
- Yemen Online
UAE foreign trade reaches AED5.23 trillion in 2024
The UAE foreign trade touched AED5.23 trillion ($1.424 trillion) in 2024, a 49 per cent increase from AED3.5 trillion ($949 billion) in 2021, according to the World Trade Organisation's latest report. The growth reflects the UAE's strategic economic vision, reinforcing its position as the leading trade hub in the Middle East and Africa since 2014 and among the top 20 global trade centres for goods and services. In a global trade environment marked by 2.9 per cent growth in merchandise trade and 6.8 per cent in services trade in 2024, the UAE's performance underscores its resilience amid rising tariffs and uncertainties. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, emphasised the UAE's role as a global trade hub, saying, 'In a world of economic and trade challenges, the UAE has prioritised openness, connectivity, and the free flow of trade, capital, and people, establishing itself as a vital link between East and West and a global economic centre." In a post on his official social media handle, Sheikh Mohammed highlighted key achievements from the WTO report. He said "the UAE exported goods worth AED 2.2 trillion in 2024, marking a 6 per cent growth over the previous year" and recorded 41 per cent of the total commodity exports in the region. The country also "exported services worth AED 650 billion in 2024, of which AED 191 billion were digital services, representing 30 per cent of total service exports". "Our commitment to openness, trade liberalisation, and global connectivity will ensure continued growth," Sheikh Mohammed added. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, highlighted that "the UAE has solidified its status as a global trade hub. Ranking 11th in merchandise exports and 13th in services exports, with a trade surplus of AED492.3 billion, the UAE achieved merchandise exports of AED2.22 trillion and services exports of AED646.6 billion, including AED191 billion in digital services, reflecting 30 percent growth and leadership in future-oriented sectors. "These achievements stem from national efforts, flexible policies, and strong international partnerships. The UAE will continue to enhance its global role by facilitating trade, expanding collaborations, and integrating with global value chains."


Yemen Online
17-04-2025
- Yemen Online
UAE's Majid Al Futtaim invests $1.36 billion to expand Dubai's Mall of the Emirates
Emirati retail conglomerate Majid Al Futtaim announced on Wednesday a AED 5 Billion ($1.36 billion) investment to expand Dubai shopping mall the Mall of the Emirates. ($1 = 3.6728 UAE dirham)