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UAE trade executives have been ranked among the most confident globally regarding trade growth prospects for 2026, according to a new report from DP World’s Global Trade Observatory. The annual outlook reveals that sustained investment in trade infrastructure, advanced logistics services, and early adoption of digital technologies are driving this optimism in the Emirates.
The Global Trade Observatory report, conducted in November in collaboration with Geneva-based analytics agency Horizon Group, found that approximately two-thirds of executives working in the UAE expect trade growth in 2026 to match or exceed 2025 levels. This positions the country ahead of many emerging and developed markets across the 19 countries surveyed.
UAE Trade Growth Outlook Defies Global Slowdown
The strong confidence in UAE trade growth comes at a time when global trade is expected to experience a slowdown due to geopolitical risks, supply chain disruptions, and rising operational costs. However, UAE executives remain optimistic about their market position and capabilities.
Despite these global pressures, business leaders in the Emirates are demonstrating resilience by adapting their strategies. According to the report, companies are diversifying their supplier base, expanding trade route options, and investing in logistics capabilities to strengthen their competitive advantage.
Strategic Partnerships Strengthen Trade Performance
The UAE’s trade performance continues to benefit from robust relationships with key trading partners including India, China, and Japan. Additionally, the country is expanding its engagement with new markets and growing consumer bases across different regions.
Executives view storage facilities, logistics centers, and customs procedures as critical enablers for growth, the report indicates. These factors are particularly important as supply chains undergo restructuring across Asia, Europe, and Africa.
Digital Transformation Drives Trade Infrastructure Modernization
Digital transformation is viewed as a pivotal element for maintaining trade momentum, with technology increasingly integrated across various supply chain operations. The adoption of digital technologies represents a secondary keyword focus area for UAE trade competitiveness.
Meanwhile, executives identified cybersecurity risks as one of the most prominent challenges that must be addressed to unlock the full potential of digital trade. This concern reflects the growing reliance on technology-driven logistics and commerce platforms.
Economic Foundations Support Executive Confidence
According to Abdullah bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director of DP World GCC, the confidence of trade leaders in the UAE stems from solid economic and commercial foundations. He noted that the expected impact of rising global tariffs remains limited in the Emirates.
In contrast to markets facing traditional East-West trade flow pressures, the UAE’s integrated infrastructure, connectivity networks, and digital capabilities provide companies with the confidence needed to manage disruptions and expand into new markets, bin Damithan said. The continued conclusion of Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements and ongoing growth in the Jafza customer base further reinforce Dubai’s position as a trusted global trade hub.
The survey results highlight how investment in logistics infrastructure and trade facilitation measures are creating competitive advantages for businesses operating in the UAE. This strategic positioning enables companies to navigate uncertainty while pursuing expansion opportunities.
The Global Trade Observatory will continue monitoring trade sentiment and performance indicators throughout 2026, though specific timelines for the next survey release have not been confirmed by DP World.
