Dubai: The UAE is maintaining its strong position in global trade, as highlighted by the DMCC's Future of Trade 2026 report released in Dubai. The report reveals that the UAE has retained its second place in the 2026 Commodity Trade Index, underscoring its pivotal role as a connector economy amid evolving global trade dynamics.
According to Emirates News Agency, the Future of Trade 2026 report, titled 'Rebuilding Through Rupture,' indicates that global trade is poised to remain resilient over the next two years, albeit under a new operating model. This model is influenced by the increasing incorporation of AI, fluctuating tariffs, resilient supply chains, and an energy transition focused on industrial advantage. The report emphasizes the UAE's strategic positioning as a connector economy, leveraging its geography, infrastructure, capital, and diversified trade relationships to support businesses in a complex trading landscape.
The report highlights the growing significance of South-South trade, which now constitutes approximately 35% of global trade, surpassing the North-North trade flows. This shift in trade patterns is driving growth towards corridors linking Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. The UAE's strategic position is further evidenced by its ranking among the top five recipients of greenfield investments globally in 2024, showcasing its credibility in operating across trade blocs.
Dr. Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, emphasized the UAE's proactive approach in adapting to the evolving global trading system. He stated that the UAE's strategy is built on openness, connectivity, and infrastructure investment, which are critical in navigating new trade corridors and technology-enabled trade.
Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and CEO of DMCC, noted that the global trade map is being redrawn, with growth driven by corridors connecting the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The UAE's environment, combining top-tier infrastructure, capital access, and commodities markets, positions it as a stable hub in the emerging trade landscape.
DMCC's Deputy CEO and COO, Feryal Ahmadi, pointed out that the UAE's second-place ranking in the 2026 Commodity Trade Index reflects its strengths in providing predictability and operational confidence across multiple markets. The UAE's robust regulatory environment, ease of doing business, and access to finance are key factors supporting its trade ecosystem.
The report also highlights the UAE's competitive corporate tax regime and its strong performance across institutional measures, from regulatory quality to geographic position and trade facilitation. Despite global energy and shipping route pressures, the UAE's commodities ecosystem remains resilient.
AI-related goods are identified as significant drivers of global trade growth, representing 43% of trade growth in the first half of 2025. The UAE's energy security, infrastructure, and capital-rich position make it well-placed to capture future trade growth, especially in advanced manufacturing, digital services, and cross-border investment.
The UAE is also recognized as a frontrunner in developing financial infrastructure for trade, with clear regulatory frameworks for stablecoins and participation in major CBDC initiatives like mBridge. The report notes that the UAE's trade finance gap is negligible, reflecting its sophisticated financial infrastructure.
In terms of energy transition, the report positions the UAE as a leader in building a role as a critical minerals hub, leveraging its hydrocarbon revenues to gain an edge in the new energy economy. The UAE's dual strength in both established and emerging energy orders enhances its role as a connector in clean technology supply chains.
The report was unveiled during a high-level event in Dubai, attended by senior government and business leaders, to discuss the implications for the UAE's economic competitiveness and its role in enabling AI-led growth and resilient trade corridors.
DMCC's Future of Trade 2026 is a comprehensive biennial research initiative that explores the changing nature of global trade, offering insights and recommendations for navigating a rapidly evolving trade landscape.