Dubai’s trade in its three major economic zones hit an unprecedented Dh336 billion in 2024, as announced by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, on Sunday, September 21.
The Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) fueled this growth with significant trade expansion within its zones, including the Dubai Airport Free Zone, Dubai Silicon Oasis, and Dubai CommerCity.
This marks a 19% increase from 2023. DIEZ contributed 13.7% to Dubai’s non-oil trade, its highest share ever, maintaining growth for the fourth consecutive year.
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This achievement was bolstered by increased goods and services flows and stronger partnerships with key global markets, emphasizing DIEZ’s central role in boosting Dubai’s non-oil trade.
The authority’s success aligned with Dubai’s record non-oil foreign trade last year.
In terms of volume, DIEZ’s trade surged over 28% in 2024, reaching 444,300 tons, up from 346,700 tons the previous year. This reflects real growth in goods movement and trade value.
Dubai’s Crown Prince praised the 2024 outcomes, stating, “Dubai continues to solidify its position as a pivotal trading hub in global commerce, aligning with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s strategic vision.
“DIEZ’s 2024 performance showcases our city’s strong economic foundation and its capability to innovate, discover new growth avenues, and turn challenges into opportunities. By providing unique value to investors, businesses, and entrepreneurs, Dubai’s free zones have crafted a sustainable growth model that redefines economic and trade competitiveness regionally and globally. Moreover, DIEZ’s latest results indicate that the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 is propelling our trade ecosystem, reinforcing Dubai’s status among leading global urban economies.”
Main Sectors
In 2024, trade in key sectors reached its peak, with machinery, electrical, and electronics sectors accounting for about 72% of DIEZ’s total trade, growing 17%.
The precious stones, metals, jewelry, and ornaments sector saw impressive 33% growth, contributing approximately 22% to the total. Together, these sectors made up around 94% of DIEZ’s trade.
This achievement is driven by advanced infrastructure, seamless integration across economic zones, and innovative solutions that enhance supply chain efficiency — reinforcing its vital role in the national economy and boosting Dubai’s competitiveness regionally and internationally.
