DIEZ Reports Record AED 491 Billion in Non-Oil Trade as Dubai Free Zone Growth Accelerates

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Dubai free zone trade quadruples since 2020 to AED 491bn as DIEZ posts 46% jump and 16% share of emirate's total trade.

The Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) reported total non-oil trade of approximately AED 491 billion ($133.7 billion) in 2025, its highest figure on record.
Trade value rose 46 per cent year-on-year while trade volume increased 50 per cent to 667,800 tonnes, indicating growth driven by real commercial activity rather than price effects.
DIEZ's share of Dubai's total trade climbed to 16 per cent during a year in which the emirate's external trade surpassed AED 3 trillion.
Machinery, electrical equipment and electronics accounted for more than 70 per cent of DIEZ's trade, with precious stones and metals contributing approximately 26 per cent.
China retained its position as the authority's largest trading partner at 28.7 per cent of total trade, followed by Saudi Arabia and India.
Total trade value has quadrupled since 2020, with imports remaining the primary driver of growth for the third consecutive year.

Five-Year Growth Streak Advances Dubai Economic Agenda D33

The Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) has delivered its strongest performance on record, with total non-oil trade reaching approximately AED 491 billion ($133.7 billion) in 2025. The result extends the authority's growth streak across Dubai's free zones to five consecutive years and marks a fourfold increase in trade value since 2020.

As Dubai's external trade surpassed AED 3 trillion for the first time, the authority's contribution rose to 16 per cent of the emirate's total. The performance aligns with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which targets a doubling of Dubai's economy over the coming decade through re-exports, supply chain diversification and advanced trade infrastructure. The latest figures underline the growing strategic importance of designated economic zones within Dubai's non-oil growth model.

Trade Value Jumps 46 Per Cent as Volume Growth Confirms Real Expansion

DIEZ reported a 46 per cent increase in total trade value compared with 2024, bringing the annual total to approximately AED 491 billion ($133.7 billion). At the same time, trade volumes rose 50 per cent to 667,800 tonnes. The authority described the parallel rise in both value and volume as evidence of genuine commercial expansion, rather than inflation-driven gains.

The results mean total trade value has now quadrupled since 2020. For the third consecutive year, imports remained the primary driver of growth. DIEZ's contribution to Dubai's overall trade increased to 16 per cent during a year in which the emirate's external trade surpassed AED 3 trillion ($816.8 billion).

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, praised the performance. He said the results reflected "Dubai's ability to stay ahead of global shifts and turn them into new opportunities for growth." He credited the DIEZ team, led by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, and said the achievement contributed to the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.

Machinery and Electronics Lead Sector Activity

The machinery, electrical equipment and electronics sector remained the largest contributor to DIEZ's trade activity in 2025. The sector accounted for more than 70 per cent of total trade and recorded growth of 42 per cent during the year. Its dominance underlines the role of Dubai's economic zones as a hub for high-value technology goods moving between Asia, Europe and Africa.

In addition, the precious stones, precious metals and pearls sector ranked second. It posted growth of 71 per cent and contributed approximately 26 per cent of total trade. Together, the two sectors represented roughly 96 per cent of DIEZ's overall activity, reflecting a concentrated but high-value trade mix.

China Retains Top Position as Regional Trade Links Strengthen

China retained its position as DIEZ's largest trading partner, accounting for 28.7 per cent of total trade. This aligns with broader UAE-China trade momentum, which saw bilateral non-oil trade reach a record $111.5 billion and the signing of 24 new agreements between the two countries earlier this year.

Trading Partner	Share of DIEZ Trade
China	28.7%
Saudi Arabia	9.6%
India	8.0%

Saudi Arabia ranked second and India third, at 9.6 per cent and 8.0 per cent of DIEZ's total trade respectively. The growing importance of Saudi Arabia as a trading partner reflects deepening GCC commercial ties and expanding cross-border supply chains between the two economies.

Dr Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of DIEZ, said the acceleration in trade with Saudi Arabia "creates new opportunities for deeper and more sustainable regional integration." He added that the 2025 results confirmed growth was rooted in genuine expansion of trade flows and cargo movement.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of DIEZ, described the AED 491 billion total as evidence of the authority's ability to manage growth in an evolving global environment. He said the 16 per cent share of Dubai's trade "reaffirms the pivotal role of DIEZ in advancing the emirate's standing as a global hub for advanced trade."

Practical Implications for Free Zone Advisors and Corporate Services Firms

For corporate services firms advising on UAE market entry, the DIEZ results strengthen the case for Dubai's economic zones as a base for trade-oriented businesses. The 46 per cent jump in trade value and the concentration in machinery, electronics and precious goods point to specific sectors where client demand for free zone licensing is likely to grow. Advisors may find it useful to reference these sector-level figures when benchmarking zone options for clients considering a Dubai-based trading operation.

Meanwhile, the acceleration in trade with Saudi Arabia signals expanding regional supply chains that could generate new advisory work around customs clearance, re-export structuring and multi-jurisdiction compliance. Firms advising clients on cross-border trade routes should monitor how DIEZ's diversification strategy translates into new licensing categories or incentive programmes. The authority's alignment with the D33 agenda also suggests that further infrastructure investment and regulatory streamlining may follow, creating additional opportunities for firms positioned in the free zone advisory space.

What Clients are Asking their Advisors

What is DIEZ and which Dubai free zones does it govern?

The Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) is the governing body for several of Dubai's designated economic zones. It oversees licensing, regulation and strategic development across these zones, which focus on technology, trade and logistics sectors.

How much did Dubai free zone trade grow in 2025?

DIEZ reported total trade of approximately AED 491 billion ($133.7 billion) in 2025, a 46 per cent increase over 2024. Trade volumes also rose 50 per cent to 667,800 tonnes. Total trade value has quadrupled since 2020.

Which sectors drive the most trade through Dubai's economic zones?

Machinery, electrical equipment and electronics accounted for more than 70 per cent of DIEZ's trade in 2025. Precious stones, precious metals and pearls contributed approximately 26 per cent. Together, these two sectors represented roughly 96 per cent of total trade activity.

Does Dubai's free zone trade growth affect business setup decisions?

Rising trade volumes support demand for warehousing, logistics and office facilities around Dubai's economic zones. Businesses considering a UAE presence may find the concentration in electronics and precious goods a useful indicator of where trade-oriented free zone licensing is most active.