Abu Dhabi [UAE], April 7 (ANI/WAM): Abu Dhabi Customs reported a 9% increase in the emirate’s non-oil foreign trade in 2024, reaching AED 306 billion, compared to AED 281.9 billion in 2023. The figures reflect the vitality of the emirate’s economy and its strengthening global trade relations.
Non-oil exports rose sharply by 16% to AED 107.8 billion, compared to AED 93 billion in 2023. Re-exports grew by 11%, exceeding AED 58 billion, up from AED 52.4 billion. Imports saw a modest 3% increase, rising to AED 140.2 billion from AED 136.4 billion the previous year.
This robust growth is attributed to Abu Dhabi’s business-friendly ecosystem, proactive government policies, and streamlined trade facilitation initiatives aimed at reducing costs, simplifying procedures, and integrating government services efficiently.
Customs declarations in 2024 increased by 3% compared to 2023, while digital platform transactions grew by 17%. Additionally, proactive and automated transactions saw a 31% jump, accounting for a significant share of total customs activity.
Rashed Lahej Al Mansoori, Director-General of Abu Dhabi Customs, emphasized that the continued growth in non-oil trade solidifies Abu Dhabi’s position as a rising economic powerhouse and global business hub. He reiterated the agency’s commitment to supporting strategic partners by enhancing customs efficiency and accelerating operations using advanced technologies—thereby reducing operational costs and supporting the UAE’s long-term development goals.
Abdulla Gharib Al Qemzi, Director-General of the Statistics Centre – Abu Dhabi, highlighted the collaborative role between Customs and the Statistics Centre in analyzing trade trends and informing policy. “The latest foreign trade data confirms the effectiveness of these policies, with Abu Dhabi’s non-oil economy growing by 6.2% in 2024,” he said, noting the emirate’s resilience and continued transformation into a dynamic global economic center.
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