The bilateral trade between the UAE and the United States reached a new record of $39 billion in 2025. This robust commercial activity resulted in a trade surplus of $23.8 billion in favor of the U.S., marking its largest trade surplus in the Middle East and North Africa, and the fourth largest globally.
Last year, the UAE solidified its role as a key global economic partner for the United States.
According to data from the U.S. Department of Commerce, American exports to the UAE increased by 16% last year. This information underscores the deepening strategic economic relationship between the two nations, founded on mutual trust, shared priorities, and a commitment to economic growth.
As reported by “Middle East Economy,” 2025 marked the seventeenth consecutive year in which the UAE was the top destination for U.S. goods and services exports in the Middle East and North Africa, contributing to sustainable economic growth in the United States and creating job opportunities.
Growing Relationships
The new trade statistics reinforce the accelerating economic and investment ties, alongside a persistent demand for innovation, technology, and American services in the UAE.
UAE Ambassador to the United States, Yousef Al Otaiba, highlighted the trade and investment figures during an event in Washington D.C., hosted by the U.S.-UAE Business Council.
During this event, Al Otaiba mentioned that 2025 represented a pivotal moment in the bilateral relationship, a sentiment echoed by President Donald Trump’s visit to Abu Dhabi last May.
Artificial Intelligence
The economic collaboration is rapidly expanding in areas such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, energy, and critical minerals, fundamentally altering the nature of the economic relationship between the UAE and the U.S.
This includes partnerships in the development of responsible AI and the safe deployment of artificial intelligence technologies. Notably, in November, the U.S. government approved the sale of advanced semiconductor chips from Nvidia to the UAE, marking a significant milestone.
Strategic Partnership
Yousef Al Otaiba stated, “The UAE-U.S. relationship is a strategic partnership rooted in trust, shared security interests, and long-term economic investment.”
The trade data for 2025 illustrates the tangible outcomes of this partnership, with American exports to the UAE rising by 16% year-on-year to $31.4 billion, supporting U.S. jobs, enhancing supply chains, and accelerating innovation across vital sectors.
As the UAE continues to diversify its economy, there is an increasing expectation for American partners to aid in advancing various sectors, from space and healthcare to renewable energy and artificial intelligence.
Supply Chains
UAE investments in the United States currently exceed $1 trillion, with plans to invest an additional $1.4 trillion in the U.S. economy over the next decade, bolstering supply chains and enhancing domestic production capabilities.
Al Otaiba noted, “Whether through significant sovereign investments or the expansion of UAE companies into the American market, we remain committed to investing $1.4 trillion.”
This commitment reflects our long-term bet on American growth and technological leadership. Together, the UAE and the U.S. will build resilient supply chains, develop next-generation technologies, and expand opportunities for companies in both nations.
16%
Growth in American exports to the UAE last year
Accelerating cooperation in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, energy, and critical minerals