The UAE has launched an ambitious global trade initiative aimed at attracting 1,000 top international trading companies and strengthening the country’s position as a major gateway for global commerce. The new UAE Global Centre of Trade programme, announced by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, seeks to accelerate foreign trade growth, expand export opportunities, and elevate the Emirates’ role in international markets.
Led by the Ministry of Foreign Trade, the strategy will introduce a digital gateway connecting thousands of UAE exporters with global buyers. The programme aligns with the newly approved National Investment Fund, which aims to more than double foreign direct investment by 2031.
The initiative focuses on increasing non-oil exports, drawing in global manufacturing and trading companies, and equipping local exporters with advanced technologies and data-driven tools. Minister of Foreign Trade Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi said the programme will help the UAE capture a greater share of global trade by simplifying export processes, using AI to identify new markets, and promoting the private sector worldwide.
The launch comes as the UAE records strong non-oil trade performance—Dh2.67 trillion in the first nine months of 2025, up 24.6 percent year on year. Non-oil exports grew 42.6 percent over the same period.
The UAE Global Centre of Trade includes eight key initiatives, such as attracting export and re-export companies, establishing 1,000 new international headquarters, launching UAE Trade Days abroad, developing an Emirati trader talent pipeline, and organizing an international trade expo expected to host 600 companies from 50 countries.