With one of the most open and innovative economies in the world, the United Arab Emirates is a dependable and significant economic partner of the United States. The UAE is the United States’ number one export market in the Middle East region — a distinction the UAE has held since 2009.
This robust trade relationship spans all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands underscoring the depth and breadth of economic ties between both nations.
Bilateral trade is dynamic and diversified, exceeding $34.4 billion in 2024. The US has an $19.5 billion trade surplus with the UAE, the US’ fourth largest trade surplus globally. This close economic cooperation supports nearly 161,000 American jobs and contributes to growth for US companies.
Beyond trade, UAE investments in the US support the creation of local jobs and provide liquidity to capital markets that spur innovation and advancements in many sectors, including aerospace, manufacturing, advanced technology, artificial intelligence, real estate and logistics.
More than 1,500 US firms have a presence in the UAE, including Microsoft, Bank of America, Cleveland Clinic, Uber and Starbucks. Other major global companies such as Nvidia, Boeing, General Motors, Nova Chemicals, FedEx, Maxar Technologies, Northrop Grumman, Amazon, Google and Mastercard – recognize the opportunities offered by the UAE economy, and many base their regional headquarters and offices in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Ranking 8th globally in Kearney's 2024 FDI Confidence Index, the UAE is an advantageous location for American companies due to its business-friendly environment and its diversified economy (with 75 percent of the country's economic activity coming from non-oil sectors). The UAE’s trade policies of 100% foreign ownership and repatriation of profits open new opportunities to international companies, especially in the technology and manufacturing spaces.
