The Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) recorded its strongest trade performance to date in 2025, with total trade reaching approximately AED491 billion ($133.6 billion), underscoring the growing role of Dubai’s economic zones in supporting the emirate’s non-oil economy.

The figure represents a 46% increase from the previous year and marks DIEZ’s fifth consecutive year of growth. Since 2020, the authority’s total trade value has quadrupled, with imports remaining the primary driver of expansion for the third year in a row.

The growth comes as Dubai’s external trade surpassed AED3 trillion ($816.8 billion), with DIEZ’s contribution rising to 16% of the emirate’s total trade.

Commenting on the results, 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 Dubai’s ability to adapt to global economic shifts and convert them into opportunities for growth.

“The exceptional growth is yet another example of Dubai’s ability to stay ahead of global shifts and turn them into new opportunities for growth,” he said, adding that the results reinforce confidence among investors, businesses and trading partners in Dubai’s economic fundamentals, infrastructure and institutions.

He noted that the achievement supports the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and strengthens Dubai’s position as a global hub connecting markets, capital and investment opportunities.

Trade volumes also increased significantly, rising 50% year-on-year to 667,800 tons. According to DIEZ, the increase indicates that growth was supported by a tangible rise in commercial activity and cargo movement rather than price-driven factors alone.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of DIEZ, said the results highlight the resilience of the authority’s economic model and its focus on sustainable growth through value-added industries, logistics integration and technological advancement.

“Achieving AED491 billion in total trade and raising the Authority’s contribution to 16% of Dubai’s trade reaffirms, once again, the pivotal role of DIEZ in advancing the emirate’s standing as a global hub for advanced trade,” he said.

Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of DIEZ, said the increase in trade volumes reflects genuine expansion in trade flows and supply chain activity. He added that the authority’s strategy of diversifying trade partners, strengthening re-export activity and expanding logistics capabilities continues to support growth.

He also pointed to accelerating trade ties with Saudi Arabia as a key opportunity for deeper regional economic integration.

Machinery, electrical equipment and electronics remained the largest contributors to DIEZ’s trade activity, accounting for more than 70% of total trade and recording 42% growth during the year. The precious stones, precious metals and pearls sector followed, posting a 71% increase and contributing around 26% of total trade.

Together, the two sectors accounted for approximately 96% of DIEZ’s overall trade activity in 2025.

China retained its position as DIEZ’s largest trading partner, representing 28.7% of total trade. Saudi Arabia ranked second, followed by India with an 8% share.

The latest figures highlight the growing importance of Dubai’s economic zones in driving non-oil trade growth, supporting supply chain development and strengthening the emirate’s competitiveness in global markets.