Dubai Chamber of Commerce members recorded Dh85.9 billion in exports and re-exports for the first quarter of 2025, representing a 16.8% year-on-year increase, with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries accounting for nearly half of the total trade value.
The GCC remained the top destination, receiving Dh40.5 billion worth of goods, or 47.2% of total member exports and re-exports. Middle Eastern markets outside the GCC followed with Dh25 billion, representing 29.1% of the total.
Africa ranked third, accounting for Dh9.1 billion, or 10.6% of the total. The Asia-Pacific region received Dh8 billion (9.4%), while European markets accounted for Dh2.4 billion (2.8%).
North America and Latin America contributed a smaller share. Exports to North America were valued at Dh460 million (0.5%), while Latin America accounted for Dh315 million (0.4%).
The Dubai Chamber of Commerce, one of three chambers under the Dubai Chambers umbrella, did not provide commodity-specific data but said the trade activity reflected continued engagement with regional and emerging markets.
According to the World Bank, GCC economies are projected to grow by 3.6% in 2025, driven by trade reforms and infrastructure investments, which are expected to lead to increased intra-regional trade. Dubai’s role as a logistics and re-export hub is central to these flows, especially in sectors such as construction materials, machinery, and consumer goods.
Trade between the UAE and Saudi Arabia, the largest economy in the GCC, has seen consistent quarterly growth, with the UAE’s non-oil trade with Saudi Arabia surpassing Dh100 billion in 2023, according to data from the UAE Federal Customs Authority.
