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United Arab Emirates
(information)
Population as of 2020: 9.2 million 97 of 193
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Region: Middle East
Nominal G.D.P. in 2024: $537.1 billion 27 of 193
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Top Exports
The **United Arab Emirates (UAE)** exported roughly **$550–600 billion in goods in 2024**, with a unique structure combining **oil & gas, precious metals (especially gold), and large-scale re-exports through Dubai**. | Rank | Export Category | Notes | | ---- | ------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------- | | 1 | **Mineral fuels (crude oil & refined petroleum)** | Core export sector; major oil producer. | | 2 | **Precious metals (gold)** | Huge due to global gold trading hub. | | 3 | **Machinery & equipment (re-exports)** | Includes electronics and industrial goods. | | 4 | **Electrical machinery & electronics** | Often re-exported through UAE hubs. | | 5 | **Plastics & plastic articles** | Petrochemical exports. | | 6 | **Chemicals** | Industrial and petrochemical products. | | 7 | **Aluminum & aluminum products** | Major smelting industry (Emirates Global Aluminium). | | 8 | **Vehicles (cars & parts, re-exports)** | Large re-export activity. | | 9 | **Jewelry** | Gold jewelry and precious stones. | | 10 | **Food & agricultural products** | Smaller but present sector. | Key individual export products (by value) | Rank | Product | Estimated Value (USD) | | ---- | ---------------------------------------- | --------------------- | | 11 | **Crude petroleum** | ~$150–200 billion | | 12 | **Refined petroleum products** | ~$70–100 billion | | 13 | **Gold (traded and refined)** | ~$80–120 billion | | 14 | **Petroleum gas (LNG)** | ~$20–40 billion | | 15 | **Aluminum (unwrought and products)** | ~$15–25 billion | | 16 | **Diamonds (re-export trade)** | ~$15–25 billion | | 17 | **Computers & electronics (re-exports)** | ~$20–30 billion | | 18 | **Motor vehicles (re-exports)** | ~$20–30 billion | | 19 | **Plastics in primary forms** | ~$10–20 billion | | 20 | **Chemical products** | ~$10–20 billion | Key Takeaways * **Oil still dominant:** Crude and refined petroleum remain the **largest exports**. * **Global gold hub:** The UAE is one of the world’s biggest **gold trading centers**. * **Re-export powerhouse:** A large share of exports are **re-exports**, especially through **Dubai**. * **Diversifying economy:** Growth in **aluminum, chemicals, and logistics-driven trade**. Top Importers of UAE Exports (2024) | Rank | Country | Notes | | ---- | ----------------- | -------------------------------------------------------- | | 1 | **India** | Largest partner; crude oil, gold, and re-exported goods. | | 2 | **China** | Oil, petrochemicals, and metals. | | 3 | **Japan** | Energy (crude oil and LNG). | | 4 | **Switzerland** | Gold trade and precious metals. | | 5 | **Saudi Arabia** | Regional trade; manufactured goods and re-exports. | | 6 | **South Korea** | Energy and petrochemicals. | | 7 | **Iraq** | Consumer goods and re-exported products. | | 8 | **Oman** | Regional trade; fuels and industrial goods. | | 9 | **United States** | Aluminum, machinery, and high-value goods. | | 10 | **Turkey** | Gold, metals, and industrial goods. | Key Patterns * **India is #1**: * Strong demand for **oil and gold**, plus extensive trade ties. * **Asia dominates**: * Many top partners (India, China, Japan, South Korea) import **energy and commodities**. * **Trade hub effect**: * Countries like **Switzerland** appear due to **gold trading flows**. * **Regional trade matters**: * Neighboring Middle Eastern countries import **consumer goods and re-exports**.
