China remains the largest trading partner of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), making up 28.7% of the entity’s overall trade. DIEZ has shown remarkable growth, achieving unprecedented performance levels in 2025.

Record Performance in Trade

In 2025, DIEZ celebrated its highest trade achievement to date, reaching an impressive AED 491 billion ($133.7 billion). This landmark performance signifies five continuous years of trade growth, suggesting an authentic uptick in goods exchange and overall trade activities. Compared to the previous year, the trade value surged by 46%, resulting in a fourfold increase since 2020. Notably, imports have been the main contributor to this growth for three years running. DIEZ further solidified its role in Dubai’s non-oil trade landscape, expanding its market share to 16%. This expansion comes at a time when Dubai’s external trade exceeded AED 3 trillion.

Key Sectors Driving Growth

DIEZ’s total trade volume increased by 50%, reaching 667,800 tons in 2025, indicating that this growth is due to a significant rise in commercial transactions rather than price-related factors. The primary sectors propelling this economic surge included machinery, electrical equipment, and electronics, which collectively generated over 70% of total trade, experiencing a 42% increase. Following closely was the sector of precious stones, metals, and pearls, which saw a staggering 71% growth, contributing about 26% to DIEZ’s total trade. Together, these sectors accounted for approximately 96% of DIEZ’s overall trade figures, underscoring their importance to the region’s economic vitality.

Long-Term Economic Value

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council, commended DIEZ’s exceptional performance. He emphasized that this success illustrates the dynamic trade environment fostered in Dubai, bolstered by the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai. Sheikh Hamdan remarked, “This outstanding growth confirms Dubai’s ability to convert global changes into new growth opportunities.” Praise was also extended to the DIEZ team, highlighting its contribution to the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and Dubai’s role as a nexus for international trade, investment, and opportunities.

Enhancing Dubai’s Global Role

DIEZ’s Chairman, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, remarked on the authority’s trade results as a demonstration of Dubai’s resilient economic framework. Achieving AED 491 billion reinforces DIEZ’s pivotal role in elevating the emirate as a global leader in trade. He reaffirmed DIEZ’s commitment to establishing a more agile and efficient business ecosystem aligned with Dubai’s long-term economic objectives and enhancing its competitiveness on a global scale.

Prospects for Regional Integration

Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of DIEZ, stated that the impressive 2025 results reflect real growth in trade flows, showcasing success in diversifying trade partners and boosting supply chain development. With trade volume climbing alongside advancements in high-value sectors, DIEZ is set to further strengthen regional integration, especially with accelerating trade activities with Saudi Arabia. These efforts present new avenues for sustainable growth and collaboration in the broader regional trade landscape.

This trajectory of growth and opportunity solidifies DIEZ’s status as a crucial element of Dubai’s evolving economic narrative.