Egypt-UAE trade reaches record US$9.7 billion as economic partnership accelerates

Economic ties between Egypt and the United Arab Emirates reached a new milestone in 2025, with bilateral trade surging by 61.7 per cent year-on-year to US$9.7 billion, underscoring the growing strength of one of the Arab world's most influential economic partnerships, as reported by Sada El-Balad, a TV BRICS partner.

Over recent years, Egypt and the UAE have strengthened their strategic economic relationship through a shared commitment to boosting production, expanding exports and supporting long-term development initiatives. This cooperation has contributed to increased capital flows, job creation and the advancement of major economic projects, reinforcing sustainable growth prospects for both nations.

Egyptian exports to the UAE climbed to approximately US$7 billion in 2025, compared with US$3.3 billion a year earlier, representing an increase of 112.1 per cent.

High-value commodities accounted for the largest share of exports. Precious stones, pearls and jewellery led export categories with a value of US$5.8 billion. Other major export groups included electrical and mechanical equipment worth US$276.4 million, vegetables and fruit valued at US$181.8 million, food preparations amounting to US$112.7 million, and vehicles and transport equipment totalling US$45 million.

Meanwhile, imports from the UAE remained stable at US$2.7 billion in 2025, unchanged from the previous year. Key import categories included precious stones, pearls and jewellery worth US$852 million, copper and related products valued at US$477.6 million, plastics and plastic products at US$368.6 million, mineral fuels and refined petroleum products worth US$256.7 million, and paper and paper-based products totalling US$101.7 million.

Beyond trade, people-to-people economic links continue to play a vital role in bilateral relations. The Egyptian community in the UAE reached approximately 1.3 million people by the end of 2024, forming one of the largest expatriate populations in the Gulf region.

Financial transfers from Egyptians living and working in the UAE also recorded remarkable growth. Remittances climbed to US$3.6 billion during the 2024–2025 fiscal year, compared with US$1.8 billion in the previous fiscal year, highlighting the increasing contribution of overseas Egyptians to economic activity and household incomes.