BRICS nations account for 31% of UAE non-oil trade, with trade with India reaching $76.2 billion.
Dubai: The UAE’s non-oil trade with BRICS nations exceeded $312 billion in 2025, up 28.5% from $243 billion a year earlier and accounting for around 31% of the country’s total non-oil foreign trade.
The figures were highlighted at the 2026 BRICS Trade Ministers Meeting in Jaipur, where UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi also called for the immediate and unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the protection of international shipping.
BRICS nations supplied 34% of the UAE’s imports in 2025, while accounting for 23% of its non-oil exports and 28% of re-exports during the year.
UAE raises concerns over Hormuz
Al Zeyoudi raised what the UAE described as grave concerns over Iran’s attacks on commercial shipping and the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz during the ministerial meeting.
He reiterated the UAE’s call for freedom of navigation and the protection of international shipping in accordance with international law.
Trade ministers discussed trade resilience, market connectivity and challenges facing global commerce, but failed to reach consensus on a joint declaration at the end of the meeting.
“At a time of heightened uncertainty in global trade, cooperation between emerging markets and developing economies is more important than ever. The UAE views BRICS as an important platform for strengthening economic cooperation and supporting an open and predictable trading environment. Our engagement in Jaipur reinforced the strength of the UAE’s economic relationships with fellow BRICS members, and we are committed to translating these discussions into tangible outcomes for businesses and communities.”
Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade
India trade reaches $76.2 billion
Al Zeyoudi also met Indian Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal to review progress under the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which came into force in May 2022.
Non-oil trade between the UAE and India reached $76.2 billion in 2025, marking a 17.3% increase from the previous year.
The two sides discussed expanding cooperation in services, digital commerce, logistics and food security, while also exploring ways to increase private-sector participation in high-growth sectors.
Al Zeyoudi also held separate meetings with trade officials from China, Egypt, Indonesia, South Africa and Russia, focusing on investment, priority sectors and greater private-sector engagement.
BRICS trade ties continue to expand
BRICS currently comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Indonesia, Ethiopia, Egypt, Iran and the UAE. The group expanded beyond its original five members in 2024, with Indonesia joining in 2025.
The bloc represents around 40% of the world’s population and approximately 25% of global GDP.
The UAE is also pursuing a broader trade strategy through its Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) programme, targeting $1.1 trillion in non-oil foreign trade by 2031.
Since the CEPA programme was launched in September 2021, the UAE has concluded 38 agreements with economies across Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas. Of these, 18 are currently in force, including agreements with BRICS members India and Indonesia.
