Photo Credit : WAM
The UAE’s non-oil foreign trade surpassed AED1.9 trillion during the first half of 2026, reflecting the country’s growing role as a global centre for trade, investment and economic connectivity, according to Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade.
Speaking at the opening of the 15th AIM Investment Summit 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Al Zeyoudi said the UAE has built an open and flexible economic model supported by strong international partnerships, advanced infrastructure and a business-friendly regulatory environment.
The summit has brought together policymakers, investors, business leaders and innovators from around the world, with around 25,000 participants representing 191 countries and organisations. The event also features 540 international speakers taking part in 103 keynote addresses, interactive discussions and dialogue sessions.
Held under the theme “Reshaping Global Prosperity: Opening New Investment Pathways Towards a Sustainable and Inclusive Future,” AIM Investment Summit 2026 is taking place amid major changes in the global economy.
Al Zeyoudi said technological advances, geopolitical shifts, faster sustainability efforts and the emergence of new economic growth centres are reshaping global trade and investment flows.
He noted that the UAE had prepared early for these developments by continuing to strengthen an economic model based on openness, international cooperation and diversified partnerships.
The minister also highlighted the UAE’s strong foreign direct investment performance. In 2025, the country attracted $48.3 billion in FDI inflows, placing it ninth globally among the largest destinations for foreign investment.
The UAE’s total accumulated stock of foreign direct investment has also exceeded AED1.17 trillion, demonstrating continued investor confidence in the country’s economic outlook.
Looking ahead, Al Zeyoudi said the global economy is expected to undergo further changes as technology becomes an increasingly important driver of economic activity and sustainability develops into a major investment opportunity.
He identified artificial intelligence, clean energy, climate technology, food and water security, and sustainable infrastructure among the key sectors expected to attract greater investment in the coming years.
Al Zeyoudi said the UAE offers international investors more than access to a domestic market, positioning itself as a global platform from which businesses can expand and reach wider regional and international markets.
He also stressed the importance of building long-term investment partnerships that support knowledge and technology transfer, create jobs and contribute to sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
The UAE, he added, intends to continue serving as a bridge between markets and economies while creating new opportunities across trade, investment and technology.
Al Zeyoudi concluded that the next phase of global economic development requires moving beyond discussions about the future of investment and focusing instead on “investing in the future.”
