Standard Chartered has released its latest report titled “The Future of Trade,” identifying the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as one of six pivotal global markets shaping the future of international trade. The report highlights that 20% of global companies are considering the UAE in their supply chain redesign plans, reinforcing the country’s status as a resilient trade hub with strong international connections.
The report, which analyzes 17 markets and includes 1,200 companies with annual revenues exceeding $250 million, shows that the UAE is increasingly recognized as a primary destination for global supply chains. It indicates that these companies are leveraging the UAE to access business opportunities in China, the ASEAN region, Africa, and the United States, reflecting the country’s growing role as a connector of significant global trade routes.
Vision
Mohamed Salama, Regional Head of Corporate and Institutional Banking for the UAE, Middle East, and Pakistan at Standard Chartered, stated, “The UAE’s rising position as a global trading hub is a direct reflection of its leadership’s vision to diversify the economy, enhance resilience, and invest in world-class infrastructure. This vision places the nation at the center of future trade corridors, attracting global companies to make the UAE a core part of their supply chain strategies.”
Trade Expansion
Coinciding with this global trend, the report also reveals that 50% of businesses in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and India plan to expand their trade and investments with the UAE, confirming the country’s role in enhancing trade flows within the region and solidifying the Middle East-India corridor.
Salama added, “As regional economies deepen their trade ties, the UAE plays a central role in connecting partners across the Middle East and South Asia. With its unique location on routes linking the region to India, China, Africa, and beyond, the country is leading new trade flows beyond traditional sectors. At Standard Chartered, we take pride in supporting these ambitions by leveraging our presence in 54 markets to connect clients with global opportunities, mobilize capital, and facilitate trade growth.”
Investment
It is noteworthy that the UAE’s ongoing investments in infrastructure and economic diversification bolster its growing role in regional and global trade. The country’s appeal lies in its world-class infrastructure, which includes some of the busiest ports globally, along with the 300 billion project initiative aimed at increasing the industrial sector’s contribution to AED 300 billion ($81.7 billion) by 2031. These efforts are complemented by rapid expansion in the financial services sector, artificial intelligence, and digital infrastructure, all supported by increasing investments in data centers and cloud computing systems.
This diversification in UAE’s trade routes now extends beyond oil and petrochemicals, connecting the Middle East to global markets and driving new flows in renewable energy, technology, and e-commerce.