United Arab Emirates Trade Openness
Trade as % of GDP NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS
United Arab Emirates's trade openness was 212.52% in 2025, ranked 9th globally. This represents a 6.8% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 2001–2025.
Overview
United Arab Emirates's trade openness stood at 212.52% in 2025, a rise of +13.48% from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 212.52% by 2025. United Arab Emirates ranked 9th globally.
The United Arab Emirates’ trade openness has risen dramatically over the 24‑year span from 2001 to 2025, climbing from a trough of 89.86 in 2001 to an all‑time peak of 212.52 in 2025, the ninth‑highest level worldwide. This surge reflects the federation’s strategic diversification away from oil‑dominant exports toward logistics, re‑exports and services, amplified by expansive free‑zone policies and the development of major ports such as Jebel Ali. The UAE’s openness now exceeds that of Malta (215.14) and Cyprus (206.89), positioning it among the most globally integrated economies despite its relatively small population. The rapid increase mirrors the broader Gulf region’s push for market liberalisation and investment attraction, while the sustained high level suggests that the country’s trade infrastructure and regulatory reforms have become entrenched. Continued expansion of digital trade platforms and further integration into global supply chains could maintain the upward trajectory, although any slowdown in global demand or shifts in energy markets would likely temper future growth.
Data & projection
| Year | Trade Openness | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 220.01% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 212.52% | - | - |
| 2025 | 212.52% | +13.48% | #9 |
| 2023 | 199.04% | +13.30% | #165 |
| 2022 | 185.74% | +2.83% | #168 |
| 2021 | 182.91% | +1.62% | #172 |
| 2020 | 181.29% | +17.47% | #175 |
| 2019 | 163.82% | +9.08% | #170 |
| 2018 | 154.75% | −10.73% | #166 |
| 2017 | 165.48% | +0.08% | #173 |
| 2016 | 165.40% | +1.11% | #172 |
| 2015 | 164.29% | +4.77% | #172 |
| 2014 | 159.52% | +2.12% | #166 |
| 2013 | 157.40% | +0.76% | #163 |
| 2012 | 156.64% | +12.46% | #160 |
| 2011 | 144.18% | +8.69% | #156 |
| 2010 | 135.49% | −17.98% | #160 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
United Arab Emirates matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2024. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw trade openness improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
United Arab Emirates's trade openness was 212.52% in 2025. Ranked 9th globally. This represents a 6.8% increase from the previous year.
United Arab Emirates's trade openness peaked at 212.52% in 2025.
The lowest trade openness in United Arab Emirates was 89.86% in 2001.
United Arab Emirates ranks 9th globally in trade openness as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
United Arab Emirates's trade openness is projected to reach 212.52% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The trade openness of United Arab Emirates in 2025 was 212.52%. This ranks 9th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_united-arab-emirates_trade-openness,
title = {United Arab Emirates Trade Openness},
url = {https://historysaid.com/united-arab-emirates/trade-openness/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}