By Staff Reporter
DUBAI — The United Arab Emirates’ non-oil foreign trade exceeded AED1.9 trillion ($517.4 billion) during the first half of 2026, reinforcing the country’s position as a major global trade and investment hub, Minister of Foreign Trade Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi said.
Al Zeyoudi made the remarks during the opening of the 15th AIM Investment Summit 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, where he highlighted the UAE’s economic strategy amid rapid technological change, geopolitical shifts and growing pressure for sustainable development.
The summit brought together about 25,000 participants from 191 countries and organisations, with 540 speakers taking part in 103 sessions under the theme, “Reshaping Global Prosperity: Opening New Investment Pathways Towards a Sustainable and Inclusive Future.”
Al Zeyoudi said the UAE had anticipated major changes in the global economy and built an economic model centred on openness, international partnerships and investment.
He also revealed that the UAE attracted $48.3 billion in foreign direct investment in 2025, placing the country ninth globally among the leading FDI destinations. The UAE’s cumulative FDI stock has surpassed AED1.17 trillion, he said.
Looking ahead, the minister identified artificial intelligence, clean energy, climate technology, food and water security, and sustainable infrastructure as among the sectors expected to drive future investment and economic growth.
He said sustainability was increasingly becoming an investment opportunity rather than simply an additional cost for businesses and investors.
According to Al Zeyoudi, the UAE aims to provide investors with more than access to its domestic market by serving as a platform connecting businesses with opportunities across international markets.
He stressed that long-term investment partnerships should go beyond capital flows to facilitate knowledge and technology transfer, job creation and inclusive economic growth.
Al Zeyoudi said the UAE would continue positioning itself as a bridge between global markets as the international economic landscape evolves.
He concluded by calling for a shift from discussions about the future of investment towards concrete investment that can deliver sustainable economic opportunities.
Source: Emirates News Agency (WAM)
