The non-oil trade between the United Arab Emirates and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries recorded significant growth during the first nine months of 2025, according to official statistics. The Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre reported that UAE-GCC non-oil trade reached 292.78 billion dirhams, representing an 11.6% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. This robust expansion underscores the strengthening economic ties among Gulf nations and the continued diversification efforts across the region.
According to the data released by the statistical authority, imports between the UAE and GCC states totaled 72.6 billion dirhams during the nine-month period. Meanwhile, non-oil exports stood at 68.7 billion dirhams, while re-export operations accounted for 151.4 billion dirhams of the total trade volume.
UAE-GCC Non-Oil Trade Performance by Country
The bilateral trade figures reveal varied growth rates across different GCC partnerships. The non-oil trade between the UAE and Saudi Arabia reached 145.1 billion dirhams in the first nine months of 2025, growing by 5.7%. This represented the largest trade volume among all GCC bilateral relationships.
Additionally, UAE-Qatar non-oil trade totaled 36.4 billion dirhams with a 1.4% increase. Trade with Bahrain amounted to 25 billion dirhams, registering a 1% growth rate. The UAE’s commercial exchange with Kuwait reached 39.9 billion dirhams, up 1.6%, while trade with Oman stood at 46.17 billion dirhams, reflecting a 1.8% increase.
Full-Year 2024 Comparative Data
For context, the total trade volume between the UAE and GCC countries during the full year of 2024 reached approximately 333 billion dirhams. Imports to the UAE in 2024 totaled around 84.5 billion dirhams, according to the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre. Exports from the UAE to GCC nations approximated 85.6 billion dirhams, while re-exports in 2024 amounted to roughly 162.8 billion dirhams.
Regional Economic Integration and Growth Drivers
A recent report titled “GCC in Figures,” issued by the GCC Statistical Center, highlighted the expanding economic, social, and developmental ecosystem across the Gulf region. The report revealed qualitative leaps in competitiveness, energy, trade, and digitization throughout 2024. That year was characterized by growth driven by non-oil sectors, improved quality of life, advanced digital infrastructure, and increased regional and international presence of Gulf economies.
However, the report emphasized that GCC countries continue achieving real growth in gross domestic product thanks to economic diversification programs and fiscal reforms. The combined GDP reached 2.3 trillion dollars, ranking ninth globally and recording a 2.2% growth rate. In contrast to previous years, the region demonstrated enhanced performance across global economic indicators including competitiveness, resilience, and economic dynamism.
Energy and Broader Trade Context
The GCC countries maintain their dominant position in global energy markets. The region holds first place worldwide in oil reserves with 511.9 billion barrels and ranks third globally in natural gas production at 442 billion cubic meters. Moreover, the Gulf states secure second place in natural gas reserves with 44.3 billion cubic meters.
Meanwhile, the UAE’s total foreign non-oil trade continued registering strong growth rates, reaching 3.8 trillion dirhams during 2025, representing a 26.8% increase compared to 2024. The country’s non-oil exports specifically totaled 813 billion dirhams, surging 45.5% year-on-year, according to the statistical center.
As the year progresses, analysts expect the final quarter data to confirm whether the UAE-GCC trade growth trajectory will maintain its momentum through year-end. Authorities have not yet announced projections for full-year 2025, though current indicators suggest continued expansion in intra-Gulf commercial activity.
