Ajman’s export credentials flourish as certificate of origin transactions surge past AED 2.3 billion

Strong quarterly performance underscores the emirate's thriving foreign trade sector and the effectiveness of streamlined digital services in supporting commercial growth

The third quarter of 2026 has delivered robust evidence of Ajman’s expanding economic vitality, with the emirate’s chamber recording a significant 26% increase in the value of certificate of origin transactions compared to the same period last year. The transactions reached AED 2.38 billion, reflecting the sustained momentum of foreign trade and the growing international competitiveness of local exporters.

This momentum reflects more than mere statistical improvement. It speaks to the fundamental transformation of Ajman’s business infrastructure, where the chamber has prioritised the simplification of procedures and the cultivation of an ecosystem that rewards enterprise and facilitates seamless commercial activity. The chamber welcomed 11,062 members during the quarter, a figure that underscores the confidence businesses place in the emirate’s trading environment.

The acceleration of certificate of origin transactions owes considerably to technological innovation. The chamber’s introduction of an AI-powered certificate of origin service has reduced application processing to under three minutes, a transformation that removes friction from export procedures and enhances the competitiveness of Ajman’s trading community. Complementing this, a redesigned digital platform launched in September has enhanced user experience and streamlined access to investment and business services.

Beyond procedural efficiency, the chamber has cultivated an ecosystem that actively supports export expansion. The Foras for Export platform provides companies with commercial data and market intelligence, enabling informed decisions about international expansion. Meanwhile, the Thara for Investment and Entrepreneurship Ecosystem creates an integrated environment for incubating new ventures, developing projects, and attracting investment capital. These initiatives reflect a sophisticated understanding that commercial growth requires both removing barriers and creating pathways for ambition.

The chamber’s international engagement has intensified alongside these domestic developments. Recent discussions with Sri Lanka’s diplomatic mission have identified fintech and advanced technology as priority sectors for bilateral collaboration, while trade missions to Belgium and elsewhere have strengthened partnerships with international business leaders. These efforts position Ajman’s exporters within expanding networks of opportunity.

What it means for Abu Dhabi

Ajman’s robust commercial performance contributes meaningfully to the broader UAE economy and reinforces the federation’s position as a hub for international trade. The emirate’s success in facilitating export growth and attracting business investment demonstrates the effectiveness of the approach to digital transformation and business facilitation being pursued across the emirates. When one emirate flourishes, the benefits extend across the nation’s interconnected economic landscape.

For Abu Dhabi specifically, Ajman’s achievement in deepening international commercial partnerships and streamlining export procedures provides evidence of the shared commitment across the UAE to supporting businesses of all scales. The digital innovations and business support ecosystems being pioneered in Ajman offer models that enhance the competitiveness of the entire federation, strengthening the UAE’s appeal to international traders and investors seeking efficiency, transparency and support.

Source: WAM