Dubai:Fahad Al Gergawi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Trade, has confirmed that the United Arab Emirates' trade recorded double-digit growth during the first nine months of 2026, despite facing challenges in the global markets.
According to Wam, Al Gergawi highlighted the UAE's continuous efforts to bolster international economic partnerships and enhance its logistics and financial infrastructure, reinforcing its status as a global hub for trade and investment. He spoke during a session titled 'Corridors of Capital How the UAE Can Become the Financing Hub for Its Trade Partners' at the Dubai FinTech Summit, part of the Dubai Future Finance Week.
Al Gergawi detailed the UAE's position as the largest trading nation in the Arab world and its ranking among the top ten countries globally in trade facilitation. He noted that the country's foreign trade reached approximately US$1 trillion last year, with further growth anticipated in 2026. He emphasized the resilience of the UAE's national economy, its strategic focus on maintaining economic readiness, and its initiatives to enhance supply chain resilience and diversify trade corridors.
The UAE's strategic initiatives include expanding port capacity along its eastern coast, particularly in Fujairah and Khorfakkan, and leveraging the Etihad Rail network to facilitate goods transportation. UAE companies also manage over 140 ports and more than 30 airports worldwide, backed by decades of expertise in trade, transport, and logistics.
A key component of the UAE's strategy is the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs), which aim to expand foreign trade and open new markets. The UAE has concluded agreements with major economies such as India, Türkiye, Australia, and Indonesia. These agreements extend beyond reducing customs duties to include investment attraction and industrial development.
Al Gergawi pointed out that the UAE ranks among the world's top five re-export hubs, benefiting from its geographic location and integrated infrastructure. He stressed the importance of developing innovative trade finance products and services and the need for greater integration between financial institutions and commercial sectors to address evolving financing needs.
He also discussed international economic cooperation through the Future of Investment and Trade Partnership (FITP) and the role of technology and artificial intelligence in trade and financial services. The Ministry of Foreign Trade is working to expand AI use in its operations, and there is cooperation with DHL to train exporters.
Al Gergawi concluded by emphasizing the UAE's forward-looking vision and long-term infrastructure investments, which have established an integrated ecosystem connecting trade and capital flows, enhancing the country's ability to attract investments and develop international economic relationships.
