Abu Dhabi: According to Abu Dhabi Customs, the emirate’s non-oil international trade increased by 9% in 2024 to AED 306 billion from AED 281.9 billion in 2023. This growth reflects the emirate’s thriving economy and its expanding global business partnerships.

From AED93 billion in 2023 to AED107.8 billion in 2024, non-oil exports increased by 16 cent. While imports increased by 3% to 140.2 billion from AED 136.4 billion in 2023, re-exports increased by 11% to surpass AED 58 billion from AED 52.4 billion in 2023.

Business-friendly ecosystems, proactive policies, and trade facilitation programmes and solutions that lower costs, time, and requirements while streamlining processes and facilitating the smooth integration of government services are all responsible for this rise.

In 2024, customs filings increased by 3% over the previous year, while transactions via digital platforms increased by 17%. Additionally, proactive and automated transactions increased by 31%, making up a significant amount of all customs transactions.

Abu Dhabi Customs Director-General Rashed Lahej Al Mansoori underlined that the emirate’s position as a growing economic powerhouse and a major international centre for trade, investment, and commerce is strengthened by Abu Dhabi’s continued notable rise in non-oil foreign trade.

Al Mansoori reiterated Abu Dhabi Customs’ commitment to collaborating closely with key partners in order to support the emirate’s economic goals and promote the expansion of commerce. In order to lower expenses and speed up operations, this involves improving the customs system’s efficiency and offering businesses and investors efficient services using state-of-the-art technology and innovations. These initiatives boost the UAE’s sustainable growth path and the country’s economy.

“Abu Dhabi Customs, in partnership with the Statistics Centre – Abu Dhabi, plays a crucial role in analysing foreign trade trends and assessing the impact of economic policies,” said Abdulla Gharib Al Qemzi, Director-General of the Statistics Centre – Abu Dhabi. We help decision-makers create policies that promote sustainable economic development and are in line with the long-term goals of the emirate by using accurate and trustworthy trade data.

The efficacy of these measures is shown by the most recent international trade statistics, which show that Abu Dhabi’s non-oil economy grew by 6.2% in 2024. This expansion strengthens the emirate’s standing as a vibrant economic centre and demonstrates its ability to react to global challenges.