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Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, commended the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority for achieving a record trade value of AED246 billion across its three economic zones in the first half of 2026. The total reflected a 17 percent increase from the same period a year earlier, according to an announcement by the Dubai Media Office. This marked the sixth consecutive year in which the authority set a new first-half benchmark, highlighting sustained confidence among investors and global trade partners in Dubai’s position at the center of international commerce.[[1]](https://x.com/DXBMediaOffice/status/2111788053006291175)
The Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority reported that imports climbed 14 percent to AED134.8 billion while re-exports advanced 22 percent to AED108.8 billion. Direct exports added approximately AED2.4 billion to the total. Trade volume for the period stood at roughly 270,000 tonnes, the authority’s data showed, even as the figures demonstrated resilience amid regional supply chain adjustments.[[2]](https://www.arnnewscentre.ae/en/news/business/h-h-sheikh-hamdan-praises-diez-aed-246-billion-value-performance-in-h1/)
International trade partners generated more than AED127 billion in flows with DIEZ, a 22 percent rise that further reinforced the zones’ global reach. China maintained its lead position with AED69.8 billion in total trade, equivalent to 28.4 percent of the authority’s activity. Machinery, electrical equipment and electronics continued to dominate the mix while precious stones, metals and pearls formed a significant secondary category, together accounting for about 96 percent of overall trade.[[2]](https://www.arnnewscentre.ae/en/news/business/h-h-sheikh-hamdan-praises-diez-aed-246-billion-value-performance-in-h1/)
DIEZ accounted for 16 percent of Dubai’s non-oil trade in the first half of 2026, building on gains seen in prior years when its full-year 2025 trade reached AED491 billion, up 46 percent, according to a June 2026 report from the Emirates News Agency. The authority’s performance contrasted with broader economic trends in which Dubai’s real GDP stood at Dh473 billion for the period, as released by the Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment. Growth in financial services, healthcare and construction helped offset contractions in some sectors amid regional tensions.[[3]](https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/economy/2026/10/18/dubais-economy-reaches-dh473bn-in-first-half-of-2026-as-key-sectors-expand/)
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority, said in a statement, “Guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, we continue to strengthen Dubai’s position as a global hub for trade and investment.” He noted that an integrated economic and logistics ecosystem connects global economies while enabling businesses to expand into international markets and unlock opportunities for investors and entrepreneurs. The chairman added that the latest milestone reflects investor confidence in Dubai’s economic framework.[[4]](https://x.com/HHAhmedBinSaeed/status/2111780472988524936)
Logistics integration across the authority’s zones, including Dubai Airport Freezone, Dubai Silicon Oasis and Dubai CommerCity, supported uninterrupted flows despite shifts in shipping routes, the Dubai Media Office reported. The authority maintained high occupancy rates and expanded its registered companies and workforce in recent periods. Such measures have helped DIEZ quadruple its trade value since 2020 while adapting to evolving global market conditions.
