DUBAI, UAE (WITH INPUTS FROM WAM) – With AED1.9 TRILLION, UAE’s Non-Oil Trade Strength Takes Centre Stage.
The UAE has firmly established itself as a global hub for trade and investment, supported by an open, agile and multi partnership economy, advanced infrastructure and a strong legislative and regulatory environment that encourages business and investment.
Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade – picture courtesy WAM
This was highlighted by Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade and Chairman of the 15th edition of the AIM Investment Summit 2026, which opened today at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
Al Zeyoudi said the UAE’s economic strength lies in its ability to respond to global changes and turn major transformations into new opportunities for growth. He said the country has built an economic model based on openness, international partnerships and long term planning.
The AIM Investment Summit 2026 opened with the participation of leaders, policymakers, institutional investors and innovators from around the world. The event has brought together 25,000 participants from 191 countries and organisations.
The summit also features 540 global speakers who are taking part in 103 keynote, interactive and dialogue sessions, creating a major platform for discussions on the future of global investment and economic growth.
This year’s summit is being held under the theme, ‘Reshaping Global Prosperity: Opening New Investment Pathways Towards a Sustainable and Inclusive Future’.
Al Zeyoudi said the summit comes at a time when the global economy is undergoing rapid changes that are reshaping the international trade and investment landscape.
These changes are being driven by technological development, geopolitical realignments, faster sustainability efforts and the emergence of new growth centres across different regions of the world.
He said the UAE recognised these changes early and prepared its economy to benefit from the opportunities they could create.
The country has continued to strengthen its economic model through openness and international partnerships, while expanding its global trade and investment network.
Highlighting the UAE’s strong economic performance, Al Zeyoudi said the country’s non oil foreign trade exceeded AED1.9 trillion during the first half of 2026.
The figure reflects the continued strength of the UAE’s trade sector and its growing role as a major global centre connecting markets, businesses and investors.
The UAE has also continued to attract significant foreign investment.
During 2025, the country attracted foreign direct investment inflows worth $48.3 billion. This helped the UAE advance to ninth place globally among the largest destinations for foreign direct investment.
The cumulative stock of foreign direct investment in the UAE also exceeded AED1.17 trillion, further underlining the country’s appeal as a destination for international investors and businesses.
Looking ahead, Al Zeyoudi said the next phase will bring rapid changes to the geography of the global economy.
He said economies will increasingly move towards technology led growth, while sustainability will continue to develop into a major investment opportunity.
He stressed the importance of investing in future sectors, particularly artificial intelligence, clean energy, climate technology, food and water security and sustainable infrastructure.
According to Al Zeyoudi, these sectors will play an important role in shaping the global economy and creating new opportunities for investors, businesses and communities.
He said the UAE offers investors much more than access to a market.
The country provides a global platform that supports growth, expansion and access to international markets.
Al Zeyoudi also emphasised the importance of building long term partnerships that can support the transfer of knowledge and technology, create employment opportunities and promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
He said the UAE looks forward to continuing its role as a bridge connecting markets and economies while opening new pathways for trade, investment and technology.
As global economic changes continue to accelerate, he stressed that the next phase requires countries and investors to move beyond simply talking about the future of investment.
The focus, he said, must now be on “investing in the future”.
