UAE ‘surpassing Hong Kong’, challenging Singapore for global trade crown
South China Morning Post
by Tom HussainFebruary 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is emerging as a formidable player in global trade, surpassing Hong Kong and challenging Singapore as Asia's most dynamic trading hub. This rise is attributed to an aggressive post-pandemic economic diplomacy strategy, which has driven significant growth despite regional instability and global challenges. Between 2021 and 2025, the UAE's non-oil trade nearly doubled, reaching 3.8 trillion dirhams (US$1.03 trillion), as announced by Prime Minister Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum on January 31, 2024.
The UAE's strategic location, world-class infrastructure, and focus on innovation have positioned it as a key logistics and trade hub. Unlike Hong Kong, which has faced political and economic headwinds, the UAE has leveraged its stability and openness to attract global businesses. This growth is particularly remarkable given the region's ongoing conflicts and economic uncertainties. The country's ability to diversify its economy beyond oil has been a cornerstone of this success, with sectors like logistics, technology, and renewable energy driving significant expansion.
The UAE's rise as a trade powerhouse underscores its growing influence in Asia and beyond. Its free zones, advanced transportation networks, and business-friendly policies have made it an attractive alternative to traditional hubs like Singapore and Hong Kong. The country's focus on digital transformation and
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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/14/2026