Abu dhabi: Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade and Chairman of the 15th edition of the AIM Investment Summit 2026, announced at the Dubai World Trade Centre that the UAE recorded AED1.9 trillion in non-oil foreign trade during the first half of 2026.
According to Emirates News Agency, Dr. Al Zeyoudi emphasized the UAE's role as a global hub for trade and investment. He highlighted the country's open, agile, and multi-partnership economy, supported by advanced infrastructure and a regulatory environment conducive to business, which enables it to capitalize on global transformations for growth opportunities.
The AIM Investment Summit 2026, themed 'Reshaping Global Prosperity: Opening New Investment Pathways Towards a Sustainable and Inclusive Future', is occurring amidst significant global economic shifts. These changes are driven by technological advancements, geopolitical realignments, sustainability efforts, and the emergence of new growth centers.
Dr. Al Zeyoudi noted that the UAE anticipated these transformations early and has developed an economic model based on openness and international partnerships. He reported that the UAE attracted $48.3 billion in foreign direct investment in 2025, ranking ninth globally as a destination for such investments, with a cumulative FDI stock exceeding AED1.17 trillion.
Looking ahead, Dr. Al Zeyoudi forecasted rapid shifts in the global economic landscape, with a focus on technology-led economies and sustainability as investment opportunities. He stressed the importance of investing in sectors like artificial intelligence, clean energy, climate technology, food and water security, and sustainable infrastructure.
He further noted that the UAE offers investors a global platform for growth and market access, emphasizing the value of long-term partnerships for knowledge and technology transfer, job creation, and promoting sustainable growth.
Dr. Al Zeyoudi concluded by affirming the UAE's commitment to connecting markets and economies, facilitating trade, investment, and technology pathways, and transitioning from discussing the future of investment to actively 'investing in the future'.