UAE-BRICS Trade Jumps 28.5% to $312 Billion as Al Zeyoudi Urges Hormuz Reopening
UAE non-oil trade with BRICS nations has surged by 28.5% to exceed $312 billion in 2025, accounting for 31% of the country’s total non-oil foreign trade. This significant increase was highlighted during the 2026 BRICS Trade Ministers Meeting in Jaipur, where UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi also raised concerns over Iran’s attacks on commercial shipping and called for the immediate and unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
The growth in trade with BRICS nations reflects the strengthening economic cooperation between the UAE and these emerging markets. BRICS nations supplied 34% of UAE imports in 2025, received 23% of its non-oil exports, and accounted for 28% of re-exports during the year. The UAE’s trade with India, in particular, has seen significant growth, with non-oil trade reaching $76.2 billion in 2025, up 17.3% from the previous year.
Dr Al Zeyoudi’s call for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz is crucial for safeguarding international shipping and protecting global commerce. The UAE views BRICS as an important platform for strengthening economic cooperation and supporting an open and predictable trading environment. The country is committed to translating these discussions into tangible outcomes for businesses and communities.
The UAE is also pursuing a wider trade program through its Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements, with a target of increasing non-oil foreign trade to $1.1 trillion by 2031. Since the CEPA program was launched in September 2021, the UAE has concluded 38 agreements with economies across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas, with 18 currently in force, including agreements with BRICS members India and Indonesia.
As the UAE continues to strengthen its economic ties with BRICS nations, businesses and investors can expect increased opportunities for trade and investment. The country’s strategic location and world-class infrastructure make it an ideal hub for international trade, and its commitment to supporting an open and predictable trading environment is expected to drive further growth in the region.
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