Abu Dhabi Customs' statistics show growth of more than AED281.9 billion in non-oil foreign trade in 2023, with 8 per cent growth compared to 2022 recording more than AED260.4 billion.
Imports grew by 19% in 2023, reaching a value of more than AED136.4 billion, compared to AED114.3 billion in 2022. Re-export activities also achieved a growth of 11 per cent, reaching a value of nearly AED52.4 billion, compared to AED47.2 billion in 2022.
His Excellency Rashed Lahej Al Mansoori, Director General of the General Administration of Abu Dhabi Customs, emphasised that the growth rates reflect Abu Dhabi's economic expansion across all sectors, which contributes an active role in driving the economic growth wheel of the country. This is driven from policies, decisions and strategic initiatives adopted by the UAE Government to create a business environment open to the global economies, thereby enhancing the country's competitiveness.
His Excellency further explained that Abu Dhabi Customs, as part of its strategic vision to achieve global leadership, continuously adopts the latest technologies and systems to develop its operational and procedural efficiency and provide distinctive services that facilitate trade movement and accelerate customs procedures. This includes providing proactive services and expanding the scope of the Invisible Customs System, which streamline time and effort for customers, facilitate customs inspection procedures, and support the completion of transactions with high accuracy and speed. These efforts contributed to the growth of Abu Dhabi's non-oil trade during the past year and achieving a 100 per cent compliance rate with the World Customs Organization's SAFE framework of standards.
His Excellency Abdulla Gharib Al Qemzi, Acting Director General of Statistics Centre – Abu Dhabi, said: "The emirate of Abu Dhabi witnessed significant growth in several key economic activities during 2023, which was directly reflected in the growth of foreign trade through the Emirate's ports. These results reflect the ongoing economic diversification efforts, demonstrating the strength and flexibility of the Emirate's economy. With the acceleration of non-oil activities growth and a strong infrastructure supporting it, Abu Dhabi’s economic position on the global scale is further solidified."
