The Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) recorded its highest-ever first-half trade value in 2026, with transactions across its three economic zones reaching Dh246 billion, an increase of 17 per cent compared with the same period last year.
The performance marked the sixth consecutive year in which the authority achieved record trade results for the first six months, highlighting the growing contribution of its economic zones to Dubai’s international commerce.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, said the growth demonstrated the resilience of the emirate’s economic and logistics network despite challenges facing global trade.
He said competition among international trade hubs increasingly depended on their ability to maintain uninterrupted trade flows, strengthen supply chains and respond quickly to changing conditions.
Sheikh Hamdan also highlighted the importance of coordination between economic zones and logistics services in supporting business activity and ensuring the movement of goods across international markets.
DIEZ’s share of Dubai’s non-oil trade increased to approximately 16 per cent in the first half of 2026, compared with 15.4 per cent in the corresponding period last year.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed, chairman of DIEZ, said the results reflected the authority’s ability to maintain growth amid changes in global trade patterns. He attributed the performance to its integrated economic zones, infrastructure and logistics capabilities, which help businesses connect with international markets.
Imports accounted for the largest share of trade, rising 14 per cent year on year to Dh134.8 billion. Re-exports increased by 22 per cent to approximately Dh108.8 billion, while direct exports reached around Dh2.4 billion.
Despite the increase in trade value, total trade volume declined to approximately 270,000 tonnes from about 298,000 tonnes in the first half of 2025.
DIEZ said its integrated logistics operations helped businesses maintain trade continuity and adapt to changes in shipping routes and supply chains.
Dr Mohammed Al Zarooni, executive chairman of DIEZ, said the results demonstrated the resilience of the authority’s operating model and the confidence businesses placed in its efficiency and reliability. He said the next phase would focus on sustaining economic growth and building on the results achieved.
Machinery, equipment and electrical equipment represented approximately 66 per cent of total trade. Precious stones, precious metals, jewellery and ornaments accounted for around 30 per cent, with trade in these categories rising 18 per cent compared with the first half of 2025. Together, the two groups represented about 96 per cent of DIEZ’s total trade.
China remained the authority’s largest trading partner, with trade worth Dh69.8 billion, equivalent to 28.4 per cent of the total. Saudi Arabia followed with Dh26.5 billion, or 10.8 per cent, while India accounted for Dh17.6 billion and Vietnam Dh13.2 billion.
