H.H. Sheikh Hamdan praises DIEZ's AED 246 billion value performance in H1

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, has commended the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) for achieving a record trade value of AED 246 billion in the first half of 2026.

The total value, comprising the three economic zones, presents an increase of 17 per cent compared to the same period last year.

The results marked DIEZ's sixth consecutive year of record first-half trade performance, reflecting the confidence of investors and international trade stakeholders in Dubai's and the UAE's position at the heart of global trade.

Sheikh Hamdan noted that the results achieved by DIEZ "underscore the importance of integration between economic zones and logistics services in supporting trade flows and connecting markets". 

He affirmed that "guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai has established an integrated economic model that combines advanced infrastructure, logistics efficiency, and a flexible business environment, strengthening its ability to adapt to global developments”.

His Highness also praised the efforts of the authority's team, led by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, emphasising the importance of continuing to develop the economic and logistics capabilities that support Dubai's competitiveness and strengthen its role in international trade.

The record trade performance strengthened DIEZ’s contribution to Dubai’s non-oil trade during the first half of the year, increasing its share to approximately 16 per cent, compared to 15.4 per cent during the same period last year. h

Sheikh Ahmed, Chairman of DIEZ, said the H1 performance "demonstrates the ability of the economic ecosystem to sustain growth and adapt to rapid changes in global trade flows". 

The value of imports during H1 2026 rose to AED134.8 billion, representing a 14 per cent increase compared to the same period last year, while re-exports grew by 22 per cent to approximately AED108.8 billion.

Direct exports reached approximately AED 2.4 billion. Trade volumes reached approximately 270,000 tonnes during the first half of the year, compared to approximately 298,000 tonnes during the same period in 2025.

This performance was achieved despite challenges affecting trade flows and supply chains. The integration of logistics capabilities across DIEZ’s economic zones helped support the continuity of trade flows and enabled businesses to adapt to changes in shipping routes.

Machinery, equipment and electrical equipment accounted for approximately 66 per cent of DIEZ’s total trade during the first half of the year, while precious stones, precious metals, jewellery and ornaments contributed approximately 30 per cent, representing an 18 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2025.

Together, the two groups accounted for approximately 96 per cent of the Authority’s total trade.

China maintained its position as DIEZ’s largest trading partner during H1 2026, with total trade valued at AED69.8 billion, accounting for 28.4 per cent of total trade.

Saudi Arabia followed with AED 26.5 billion, representing 10.8 per cent of total trade, followed by India with AED17.6 billion, accounting for 7.2 per cent, and Vietnam with AED 13.2 billion, representing 5.4 per cent.

حمدان بن محمد يُشيد بأداء "دييز" القياسي الجديد على مستوى تجارتها خلال النصف الأول من عام 2026، بوصول إجمالي قيمة التجارة عبر مناطقها الاقتصادية الثلاث إلى 246 مليار درهم، بنمو 17% مقارنة بالفترة ذاتها من العام الماضي، لتواصل تسجيل مستويات قياسية للنصف الأول للعام السادس على… pic.twitter.com/MTyDloG42j

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) October 18, 2026