UAE Trade Hits Record $527bn as Global Partnership Network Expands to 38 Deals

The United Arab Emirates has pushed its non-oil foreign trade to AED1.937 trillion in the first half of 2026, fueled by an expanding network of 38 Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs). The surge marks a concerted push to decouple the national economy from oil revenues and cement supply chain links across Europe, Africa, and Asia.

The AED452.8 Billion Export Surge

Non-oil exports hit AED452.8 billion during the first six months of 2026. A significant portion of this activity is tied directly to the CEPA framework. According to Sharjah24, trade with nations under active agreements totaled AED304.3 billion in that period, with UAE exports to those specific partner markets reaching approximately AED66.1 billion.

The program launched in September 2021 with a clear mandate: slash customs duties and dismantle trade barriers. The results are most evident in early partnerships. Trade between the UAE and India—among the first to sign a CEPA—reached AED107.5 billion in the first half of 2026.

New Frontiers in Eastern Europe and Africa

The UAE is aggressively moving beyond its traditional trading circles. On July 1, 2026, the UAE-Ukraine CEPA entered into force, and the UAE-Serbia CEPA has also entered into force.

The focus has also shifted toward Africa. The UAE has expanded its network to include or enter negotiations with Gabon, Kenya, and the Republic of the Congo. These deals target high-growth sectors: agriculture, logistics, and renewable energy.

Record-Breaking Negotiations with Canada

Speed is becoming a hallmark of the UAE’s trade diplomacy. In July 2026, the UAE and Canada concluded CEPA negotiations in the shortest timeframe recorded under the programme.

The momentum follows a sharp rise in bilateral commerce. In 2025, trade between the two nations hit approximately US$4.2 billion, a 21% increase over the year prior.

Countering Global Economic Fragmentation

While bilateral deals dominate the headlines, the UAE is hedging its bets with multilateral engagement. This was on display at the 2026 BRICS Trade Ministers Meeting in Jaipur.

The discussions centered on the fragility of the international trade system. Indonesian officials specifically raised alarms over global economic fragmentation, calling for tighter cooperation among emerging economies.