DIEZ trade soars to record AED 491 billion in 2025, up 46% year-on-year
DIEZ trade reaches a record AED 491 billion in 2025, up 46% from 2024; volumes surged to 667,800 tonnes and DIEZ’s share of Dubai non-oil trade rose to about 16%.
Dubai’s Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) reported a record AED 491 billion in total trade for 2025, marking a 46% increase over 2024 and a fourfold rise versus 2020. This milestone underscores a sustained five-year expansion in DIEZ trade driven by higher cargo volumes, sectoral shifts toward high-value goods and deeper regional integration. Officials say the performance reflects strategic investments in logistics, re-exports and trade facilitation that align with Dubai’s D33 economic agenda.
Record performance and headline figures
DIEZ’s 2025 trade tally of AED 491 billion represents the highest annual total in the authority’s history, according to its published results. The authority’s contribution to Dubai’s non-oil trade climbed to roughly 16% in 2025, at a time when the emirate’s external trade exceeded AED 3 trillion. Growth was broad-based and measured both in value and in physical throughput, reducing the likelihood that gains were driven only by price effects.
The reported year-on-year increase of 46% follows a sustained growth trajectory since 2020, when DIEZ’s trade base was substantially smaller. Compared with 2020 levels, total trade expanded by about 400%, a sign of rapid scale-up in activity across the integrated zones over the past half-decade. DIEZ leaders framed the results as validation of Dubai’s strategy to position the city as a global trade hub.
Volume surge indicates genuine trade expansion
Total cargo throughput rose by 50% to 667,800 tonnes in 2025, a metric officials highlighted to demonstrate that the value gains were complemented by real increases in trade flows. That volume growth suggests the rise in trade value was not primarily a function of inflation or commodity price swings, but reflected greater movement of goods through DIEZ facilities. The increase in tonnage points to improved utilisation of logistics and warehousing capacity across the integrated zones.
DIEZ said the expansion came despite global inflationary pressures, underscoring resilience in supply chains managed from Dubai. Enhanced connectivity, faster customs procedures and investments in handling capabilities were cited as contributors to the higher throughput. These operational improvements helped translate demand into demonstrable trade volumes.
Sector composition: electronics and precious goods dominate
The machinery and electrical/electronics sector captured more than 70% of DIEZ’s trade value in 2025, recording a 42% rise year-on-year. That dominance reflects Dubai’s role as a re-export and distribution hub for high-value electronic goods bound for regional and international markets. The concentration in this sector underscores how technology-related merchandise drives much of the authority’s trade profile.
Precious stones, metals and pearls posted a 71% increase and accounted for about 26% of DIEZ’s trade, bringing the two leading sectors to roughly 96% of total trade value. The sizeable contribution from these segments highlights a twin dynamic of high-unit-value products and strong demand from trading partners. DIEZ has signalled continued focus on supporting value-added services around these sectors, including testing, certification and specialised logistics.
Top partners and regional trade shifts
China remained DIEZ’s largest trading partner in 2025, representing 28.7% of the authority’s trade, while Saudi Arabia rose to second place at 9.6% and India accounted for 8%. The notable increase in trade with Saudi Arabia reflects deepening economic ties and growing intraregional supply-chain integration in the Gulf. Changes in partner mix demonstrate DIEZ’s ability to diversify trade linkages while maintaining strong routes to major global markets.
Officials said the evolving partner map is consistent with strategic efforts to broaden markets and deepen re-export channels across neighboring economies. Higher trade with regional partners is expected to support more resilient flows, reduced transit times and stronger commercial ties within the Gulf Cooperation Council. DIEZ also pointed to targeted outreach and streamlined procedures as factors that helped attract new trade volumes.
Leadership reaction and implications for Dubai’s agenda
Dubai leadership welcomed the results as confirmation of the emirate’s economic model and its ability to convert global disruptions into commercial opportunities. The performance was described as aligned with the D33 economic agenda’s objectives to boost competitiveness, attract investment and scale high-value trade. Senior officials commended the DIEZ management team for operationalising policies that strengthened Dubai’s role as a trade and logistics nexus.
DIEZ’s chief executives framed the outcome as evidence of a durable model that balances diversification, logistics integration and sectoral focus. They emphasised continued efforts to enhance value-added services, expand partner networks and further streamline trade processes. The authority also linked the 2025 results to long-term plans to solidify Dubai’s status as a global hub for advanced trade and supply-chain solutions.
DIEZ’s record year in 2025 appears to reinforce Dubai’s broader strategy of building resilient, diversified trade corridors that support non-oil growth and attract international investment. The combination of higher trade value, strong volume growth and a concentrated sector mix positions the authority to capitalise on further regional integration and evolving global demand.