Crown Prince Commends Dubai’s Economic Zones on Record First-Half Trade Performance

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum celebrates the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority's achievement of AED246 billion in trade, marking six consecutive years of record first-half performance and underscoring Dubai's resilience in global commerce.

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, has commended the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) for attaining an exceptional trade performance during the first half of 2026. The three economic zones facilitated total trade valued at AED246 billion, representing a noteworthy 17% increase compared to the corresponding period in the preceding year.

This remarkable achievement constitutes DIEZ’s sixth consecutive year of record first-half trade performance, a testament to the profound confidence that investors and international trade stakeholders place in Dubai’s and the United Arab Emirates’ pre-eminent position within the architecture of global commerce.

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed emphasised that sustained economic growth, despite the formidable challenges confronting international trade, illustrates the inherent strength of Dubai’s economic and logistics ecosystem. Established under the visionary directives of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, this ecosystem demonstrates an exceptional capacity to ensure business continuity and navigate the complexities arising from shifts in international supply chains.

In his remarks, the Crown Prince underscored that contemporary global trade competition transcends mere volumetric measures. Rather, success increasingly depends upon the ability of economic hubs to maintain uninterrupted trade flows, sustain resilient supply chain architecture, and respond with agility to international transformations. Dubai’s integrated economic model, he noted, seamlessly combines advanced infrastructure, logistical excellence, and a business environment characterised by flexibility and responsiveness.

DIEZ’s contribution to Dubai’s non-oil trade expanded considerably during the first half of 2026, with its share increasing to approximately 16%, compared to 15.4% during the equivalent period of the prior year. This trajectory reflects the increasingly vital role that DIEZ’s economic zones play in advancing Dubai’s standing as a global gateway for trade, investment, and economic expansion.

During H1 2026, imports reached AED134.8 billion, reflecting a 14% increase year-on-year, whilst re-exports surged by 22% to approximately AED108.8 billion. Direct exports attained approximately AED2.4 billion. The trade portfolio remained predominantly concentrated within machinery, equipment and electrical equipment, which accounted for approximately 66% of total trade, whilst precious stones, precious metals, jewellery and ornaments contributed approximately 30%, demonstrating an impressive 18% year-on-year increase.

Asia continues to anchor DIEZ’s trading relationships, with China maintaining its position as the largest trading partner, accounting for AED69.8 billion in trade, equivalent to 28.4% of the total. Saudi Arabia followed with AED26.5 billion representing 10.8%, India with AED17.6 billion at 7.2%, and Vietnam with AED13.2 billion at 5.4%. This geographical diversity underscores the breadth and resilience of DIEZ’s global trade network.

H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of DIEZ, highlighted the Authority’s capacity to sustain growth whilst adapting to rapid transformations in global trade dynamics. The integration of logistics capabilities across DIEZ’s economic zones has proven instrumental in supporting the continuity of trade flows and enabling businesses to adjust effectively to evolving shipping routes and supply chain configurations, thereby reinforcing Dubai’s position on the global trade landscape.

Source: WAM