The United Arab Emirates is a nation nestled in the center of the Arabian Peninsula, often known for its pristine waters, golden stands, and picturesque cityscapes. But, as a matter of surprise, it is also known for its economic strength. As a major global trade player, it has witnessed significant growth in its exports from a diverse portfolio of industries. Eager to explore more about the UAE's key export industries and opportunities? Read on to find out what's booming in the market and how you can tap into them.

Oil and Natural Gas

Equipped with advanced oil rigs spread across its Emirates, the nation stands as one of the world's largest oil and gas producers and exporters. With innovative production techniques, the country continues to push boundaries of oil and gas extraction.

In fact, in 2022, according to the Observatory of Economic Complexity, the nation exported $ 402 billion worth of oil and natural gas. Of this, crude oil accounted for 26.2%, while refined petroleum and gas counted for 14.4% and 4.04%, respectively.

Plus, UAE's largest oil producer, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, aims to encourage local production by partnering with local and international manufacturers as a key objective of its "Make It In Emirates" campaign. Overall, the UAE remains a central force in the global energy sector.

Metals and Minerals

The United Arab Emirates is home to several deposits of valuable metals and minerals, including aluminium, gold, and copper, especially in the eastern Hajar Mountains, which play a vital role in the country's economic development.

What's more is that the country is investing heavily in its metal and mineral processing units to increase and refine its golden wealth.

Beyond that, the Observatory of Economic Complexity stated that diamond exports in the UAE accounted for close to $15.5 billion in 2022, ranking the nation as the 2nd largest diamond exporter globally. The nation is indeed turning rocks into riches and ores into opportunities.

Construction & Design

Another key export industry in the UAE is construction and design. With many strategic initiatives being introduced by the UAE government, the construction sector proves to be an upward trajectory for the nation.

In fact, the rise in demand for various infrastructure projects related to roadways, waterways, and real estate has resulted in a drastic increase in construction materials like wood and cement. That's exactly where the UAE comes into play with a propelling construction materials market.

Like a coin has two sides, the massive upward growth of this market poses certain challenges pertaining to currency fluctuations, prices of raw materials, and the rigorous regulations imposed.

On a positive note, even such minute hindrances promise to grow at a projected CAGR of 2.42% by 2028, as per Statista. Will this market grow one brick at a time? Only time will tell.

Petrochemicals

Petrochemicals, as a key element of the UAE's chemical industry, is yet another top area for export from the UAE. Standing as one of the cornerstones of the country's economic development, this sector is key for industrial innovation.

Plus, it provides an opportunity for creating various products like fertilisers and synthetic fibres, especially for its exporters of petrochemicals.

In fact, as one of the UAE's central petrochemical complexes, Abu Dhabi rounds up to being the major petrochemical producer for the nation due to its feedstock access.

Not to mention that at the forefront of its biggest industrial projects yet to come, i.e., the Borouge 4 project, the nation could potentially see a drastic transformation in its petrochemicals industry.

Key Opportunities for Exports in the UAE:

While it’s booming in a few industries, there are several avenues yet to be discovered, especially in its services sector. The UAE government aims to launch a new services export strategy to expand its foreign trade relationships globally as well as to leverage its competitive edge, especially in finance, telecommunications, space, travel & tourism, etc.

As per the statement given by the Foreign Trade Minister of the country, Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi, the new services export strategy launched would help widen the nation’s global reach and create new market opportunities.

But, if you begin to think about it, what is the imperative need for the UAE to export its services? Well, the answer to that is the paradigm shift from exporting merchandise to exporting services. In today’s global game of foreign trade, the export of services is flourishing, becoming a large part of the trading mix.

In fact, as per the 2022 WTO report, the UAE stands as the 12th largest services exporter, accounting for 2.2% of service exports globally. With such a feather in its cap, it showcases an immense potential for economic growth.

In addition to the services sector, the renewable energy sector shows another opportunity for export from the UAE due to the nation’s strategic location.

The country’s government has launched several policies and initiatives that emphasise clean, renewable energy that protects the environment, especially with its Energy Strategy 2050. While speaking about the opportunities for exports from the UAE, it’s important to include sectors like healthcare, aviation, and defence on the list as well.

Overall, with more and more industries rising to play day-by-day, the UAE export market does seem to be a book of promising opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the main export from UAE?

The United Arab Emirates exports primarily natural gas, oil, precious metals, stones, and pearls.

2. Who are UAE’s top export partners?

Based on UAE Exporters Data, the top export partners for UAE are China, India, Saudi Arabia, and Japan.

3. What does the UAE export other than oil?

In addition to oil and natural gas, there are many exporters of petrochemicals, as well as for gold and broadcasting equipment in the UAE.