UAE Advances Trade Strategy at Make it in the Emirates 2026

UAE’s Strategic Trade Initiatives

The second day of the Make it in the Emirates 2026 conference in Abu Dhabi underscored the UAE’s commitment to enhancing its trade partnerships. Experts affirmed that the UAE is poised to expand its strategic partnerships, which have been in development for years, to facilitate the entry of UAE products, including services and goods, into both mature and emerging markets. This initiative is bolstered by bilateral cooperation agreements and the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPA) program, launched five years ago.

The UAE’s non-oil foreign trade witnessed a remarkable 27 percent growth in 2025 compared to the previous year. The In-Country Value program has redirected over AED473 billion into the national economy. This dual growth in international trade and national content serves as an invitation for global stakeholders to explore the UAE’s solid foundations for innovation and development.

Panel Insights on Trade Growth and AI Integration

A key panel discussion featured Fahad Al Gergawi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Trade, and Khalfan Al Muhairi, Senior Vice President for the Middle East, Africa, and Export at Borouge. They reviewed the upward trajectory of the UAE’s foreign trade and highlighted significant milestones in export growth, with industrial exports achieving an annual growth rate of 25 percent, totaling AED262 billion in 2025.

Al Gergawi emphasized the announcement by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum regarding a new system for implementing autonomous artificial intelligence in government operations. This initiative aims to transform 50 percent of government services within two years, prompting the Ministry of Foreign Trade to develop an integrated AI system to enhance the foreign trade ecosystem. This system is reportedly the first of its kind globally among ministries focused on foreign trade.

The Role of Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements

Al Gergawi noted that the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements, which have reached 36 since their inception in 2021, have been instrumental in enabling the UAE’s non-oil foreign trade to exceed USD 1 trillion (AED 3.8 trillion) in 2025. These agreements target global markets with a combined population of 3 billion, significantly enhancing the UAE’s trade landscape.

Al Muhairi highlighted the strategic impacts of these partnerships, stating that they facilitate the export of specialized products from Borouge and other UAE industries to new markets. He mentioned that these agreements provide stability and a clear strategic direction for private sector partners, allowing them to confidently pursue growth and expansion into international markets.

Future Prospects and Innovations

The integration of artificial intelligence is also expected to streamline access to regulatory frameworks, customs rules, and commercial services for manufacturers in the UAE. Al Muhairi pointed out that the establishment of Borouge International, completed in early 2026, has positioned the company as the world’s fourth-largest polyolefin producer by nominal production capacity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Make it in the Emirates 2026 event?

It is a conference focused on enhancing trade and industrial growth in the UAE.

What are Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements?

They are trade agreements aimed at enhancing economic cooperation between the UAE and various global markets.

How much did UAE’s non-oil foreign trade grow in 2025?

It grew by 27 percent compared to the previous year.

What role does artificial intelligence play in UAE’s trade strategy?

AI is being integrated to enhance government operations and streamline trade processes.

How has the In-Country Value program impacted the UAE economy?

It has redirected over AED473 billion into the national economy.