Mena region’s trade defies global slowdown, rises 6%

Trade in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is projected to grow faster than expected, according to DHL Global Connectedness Tracker for October 2025. The report shows a 6% improvement in trade forecasts for 2025–2029, making MENA one of the few regions to see an upgrade while others face downgrades due to tariff hikes and global uncertainty. DHL’s analysis attributes the region’s resilience to strong non-oil growth, expanding logistics networks, and rising exports, supported by national diversification strategies such as Saudi Vision 2030 and the UAE’s Vision 2031. The Middle East continues to benefit from its position as a global trade hub linking Asia, Africa, and Europe. While global trade faces headwinds from policy shocks and slower investment, the DHL Tracker highlights that the Middle East remains among the world’s most connected regions, underscoring its growing role in sustaining global trade momentum. To enhance trade and logistics efficiency, Abu Dhabi Customs and Ras Al Khaimah Customs signed a strategic cooperation agreement.